Märzen (or alternatively
Maerzen) has its origins in
Bavaria, probably before the 16th century. A Bavarian brewing ordinance decreed in 1553
[1] that beer may be brewed only between 29 September and 23 April. The Märzen was brewed in March (März in German is "March") according to a special recipe that would allow the beer to last while the brewing of new beer was forbidden between 24 April and 28 September. The original Märzen was described as "dark brown, full-bodied, and bitter".
[2] The beer was often kept in the cellar until late in the summer, and remaining bottles were served at the
Oktoberfest.