The Brew Times

From 1810 to Your Glass: Oktoberfest History & Our King’s Märzen Brew

Mr. Beer Seasonal Brew-Along – Oktoberfest Lager Inspired by Bavarian Royalty Raise a stein to history, community, and great beer with The King’s Märzen—Mr. Beer's limited-edition seasonal brew-along kit. This rich, toasty lager pays homage to the roots of Oktoberfest and the origins of the Märzen style, which has become synonymous with fall festivals and cooler weather. The Wedding that Launched the World's Largest Beer Festival In 1810, Bavaria's King Maximilian I Joseph declared a two-day public festival to celebrate the marriage of his son, Crown Prince Ludwig, to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Held in a large field just outside Munich, the event offered free food and beer, music, dancing, and even a horse race. What began as a royal wedding celebration quickly became an annual tradition, cherished by both the monarchy and the people. Over time, the event was extended, pushed earlier into September to take advantage of better weather, and evolved into a world-famous celebration of Bavarian culture. So Why Märzen The beer we now associate with Oktoberfest —rich, coppery, and malt-forward —wasn't brewed just for the party. Its origins go back even further. The Märzen style (named after the month of March) emerged from a centuries-old regulation. In 1553, Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria issued a decree banning all brewing between April 23 and September 29 to avoid summer spoilage. Brewers had to produce large batches in March that could withstand long storage through the warm months. These beers were brewed stronger and with more hops to preserve freshness. They were then lagered (stored cold) in caves or cellars, often packed with ice from the previous winter. When September rolled around, these perfectly aged Märzen beers were finally ready to be enjoyed, just in time for Oktoberfest. Today's Oktoberfest: A Global Phenomenon More than 200 years later, Oktoberfest remains a massive event held annually in Munich, typically from mid-September through the first week of October. The festival features carnival rides, traditional German foods, music, dancing, and of course, beer. But not just any beer. Only six Munich breweries are allowed to serve beer at the official Oktoberfest, and they must adhere to strict style guidelines. Meanwhile, craft brewers across the U.S continue to embrace the classic Märzen style, offering their own take on this historic lager. American versions tend to be slightly fuller-bodied and maltier than the lighter festbiers. Introducing: The King's Märzen Mr. Beer's King’s Märzen is our tribute to that royal origin story and the iconic lager that followed. This seasonal brew-along kit is true to the traditional Märzen style: Vienna & Munich-style malts give it a deep copper color and rich, toasted bread flavor. Hallertau hops add a subtle, noble spice to balance the malt. Cold-lagered for smoothness, this beer finishes clean and crisp with a creamy mouthfeel Brew Now, Tap in Time for Oktoberfest Because Märzen requires weeks of lagering to develop its signature flavor, now is the time to brew. Start your King's Märzen in August and enjoy it with friends during your own Oktoberfest celebration, or simply as the perfect fall lager. And for the first time ever, we're releasing a complete Oktoberfest Beer Kit and a Complete Recipe Kit with everything you need to brew, bottle, and celebrate. To make the party even better, all Oktoberfest recipes and refills are 15% off for a limited time. Stock up, brew big, and get ready to raise your glass to a beer style that's over 470 years in the making. Buy the King’s Märzen Kit Today Limited-Edition Brew-Along, Only available while supplies last!