Gordon Biersch Marzen - Love The Free Taste
Posted By Zach Thursday, 20 November 2008 16:30
I was recently in San Francisco for the yearly Adobe Conference and had the opportunity to try a new beer at one of the event receptions. Since we don't see it much around home, I decided on the Gordon Biersch Marzen. I have heard some decent things about their beers, so I figured this one was worth a try, especially since I like a good Marzen.
Read on to see what I thought.
Taste: B+ Upon first sip, this beer was pretty smooth. It had a nice, slightly hoppy flavor that went down well and finished smooth. You can certainly tell it is a marzen, but since I enjoy this style, that isn't a bad thing. There was no bitter aftertaste here. The only complaint I have is that they had these bottles on ice and I think part of this one wasn't quite cold enough. While I know good beers shouldn't be ice cold like some of the other shit we review on here, having part of it warm wasn't good. I guess if I'm still giving it a high grade with this handicap, it must be pretty good.
Packaging: B This beer has pleasant packaging, but nothing that really stands out. The label is a reddish color with Gordon Biersch really big and Marzen fairly small toward the bottom. Clearly, they are playing up the GB name. There is also a nice image in the background. Certainly not as cool as some of the beers and malts out there, but it doesn't turn you away.
Value: ? I have to admit I was lazy in this department as I didn't research the price. For me, it was free at this reception so that is always a bonus. If I had to guess, given the class they are aiming for with this brew, I'd say it would be in the $8 - $10 range.
Drunkeness: A For a beer, the GB Marzen earns high marks in the alcohol content, coming in at a nice 5.7%. While I wouldn't necessarily recommend getting wasted on a quality beer like this, drinking a 6-pack would certainly give you a good buzz. Maybe down a few of these and then finish the night off with some flavorless swill like Busch Light. After a certain point, there is no reason to waste this flavor. Might as well save it for when you can enjoy the goodness.
Overall: B+ Overall, the GB Marzen is a nice smooth beer that is best enjoyed in the fall or winter. Certainly those who enjoy a good wheat or red beer will enjoy this offerring. The only reason I could think to not approve of this beer is if it comes in at some high price like $12+ for a sixer. At that point, you might as well get some of the decent Mich offerrings or maybe some Goose Island. If you run across the GB Marzen at a decent price, give it a shot, I think you'll like it!