Judge’s Review: 87 Rating – Modest Maiden Marzen by Big Boss Brewing Co.

Märzen | Seasonal | United States

By Dan Preston

Judges Rating: 87
Aroma: 20
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 35
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 17

Modest Maiden Marzen by Big Boss Brewing Co. is a Marzen (BJCP 2015 6A), but due to the use of smoked peachwood it falls under BJCP 2015 guidelines for Classic Style Smoked Beer 32A. This beer pours a brilliant clear deep golden color with some hints of copper and an off-white head that clings to the glass. The aroma is malty and subtly complex – crackery pilsner-like graininess, light toasty melanoidins, soft caramel and a sweet fruity smoke — without any overbearing character. Beyond the malt is mild spicy/grassy hops and low red apple-like esters, but otherwise clean lager yeast. The flavor is similar to the aroma but with stronger notes of smoke, toasty Vienna malt and a fruity sweetness (peach, apple). The flavor flirts the thin line between festbier and marzen, being more crackery and less rich than most American versions of the latter. It’s a nice twist on a classic style with a low sweet smoke that complements that base well.