BREWERY // In 2010 ex-Yorkshireman David Gaughan launched Golden Eagle brewery in his Christchurch garage. He'd started homebrewing a few years earlier as a way to recreate the beloved dark beers of his homeland. In the past decade the brewery has dropped the 'golden', relocated a couple of times, endured repeated earthquakes, ran a successful crowdfunding campaign and collected no small number of awards. It's a true family business with Dave's partner Marilyn managing their venue and stepdaughter Shermane looking after administration and sales. Last year they opened the doors of their beautiful brewpub the Port & Eagle on the banks on the Kaiapoi River a short drive north of the city which is a must visit for any beer fan.
BEER // The name Märzen simply comes from the German word for March, the month this special beer would be brewed annually to ensure it was tasting great for Oktoberfest celebrations. The fortnight-long festival is held in Munich each year in the second half of September, finishing on the first Sunday of October. The style is a Bavarian take on Vienna Lager and was first brewed in 1810 especially for the inaugural Oktoberfest to celebrate the wedding of King Ludwig and Theresa. Märzens are defined by the slightly sweet, rich, bread-y, biscuity malt profile with a little spicy bitterness from the hops and a dry finish. This brew from Eagle is a spot-on execution of the style and would sit nicely among the German beers that inspired it. We wish we could have sent you all an oompah band and a some giant pretzels to accompany this week's beer but we'll just need to wait for our 2021 Oktoberfest for that. Prost!
BREWERY // Eagle
BEER // Oktoberfest
STYLE // Märzen
ORIGIN // Christchurch
ABV // 6%
TEMPERATURE // Cool. 7-9C
FOOD MATCH // Currywürst. Vegetable Biriyani. Spätzle. Gouda
VESSEL // Stein