Judge’s Review: 90 Rating – Clocktoberfest by Clocktown Brewing Co.

Märzen | Seasonal | USA

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 90
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 36
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 17

Clocktoberfest by Clocktown Brewing is a Märzen and is being evaluated as a Märzen (category 6A from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Märzens are known for being rich, malty lagers with the malt character focused on bready and toasty flavors but not to bock-level strength or intensity. Märzens are differentiated from their fellow Festbiers as Festbiers tend to be on the more quaffable spectrum with less bready flavors whereas Märzens tend to be a bit more rich and flavorful.
Clocktoberfest pours light amber in color, is clear, and sports a small off-white head. The aroma is of moderate toasty and biscuity malt with no esters and just a hint of hops. The flavor is moderate toasty and biscuity malt with a touch of hops. The beer finishes moderately bitter with a dry, lingering biscuity malt flavor. 
Clocktoberfest is a solid malty amber lager. The toasty and biscuity malt flavors are very pleasant. The finish is on the dry and sharp side, whereas most German versions finish smoother. Regardless, this is a very enjoyable lager. Prost!