[World Rating 92 points] The True Identity of Schmatz "Lager": Traditional Märzen, Unraveling its Deliciousness with History and Science
Schmatz "Lager" received a high rating of 92 points at an international beer competition! This beer is actually a traditional German "Märzen" style. We'll explain the charm of Schmatz "Lager", including the law enacted in 1553 that led to its flavor, the reasons for its deliciousness, and the science behind its pairing with sausages.
Table of Contents
1. Is Schmatz Lager not just any lager?
2. Its true identity is "Märzen"! A miraculous beer brewed in March
◯ A survival strategy born from the "Brewing Ban in Summer" of 1553
◯ The origin of "Lager" (storage), spending the summer in underground caves
3. 92 points recognized worldwide! The science behind its deliciousness
◯ The savory aroma of "bread crust" thanks to the Maillard reaction
◯ The golden ratio of 100% German malt and noble hops
4. Practice! How to drink Schmatz Lager in the most delicious way
◯ The correct temperature is "6-8°C"
◯ There's a "scientific reason" why it pairs well with sausages
5. Summary: A glass filled with history and dedication at Schmatz
1. Is Schmatz Lager not just any lager?
Have you ever had the golden "Lager" at a Schmatz restaurant or from their online store? Many of you must have thought, "Oh, this beer is easy to drink, but it's somehow different from my usual beer! It's rich and delicious!"
And that's precisely why. Schmatz's Lager is actually a traditional German beer style called "Märzen," different from the "Pilsner" commonly drunk in Japan.
Moreover, this Lager is not just a standard product. In the prestigious "Finest Beer Selection" competition, which started in Germany in 2023, it received an astonishingly high score of 92 out of 100 points, making it a "world-class" beer.
This time, we will introduce the history and dedication behind the deliciousness of Schmatz's proud "Lager (Märzen)," a bit maniacally and with plenty of affection.
2. Its true identity is "Märzen"! A miraculous beer brewed in March
Schmatz's Lager, whose true identity is "Märzen." Meaning "March" in German, this beer is an indispensable part of German beer history. Why March?
* A survival strategy born from the "Brewing Ban in Summer" of 1553
Let's turn back the clock to the Middle Ages. In 1553, Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria enacted a significant law: "Brewing of beer is prohibited from April 23rd to September 29th."
With the technology of the time, brewing beer in the high temperatures of summer led to the proliferation of bacteria, causing the beer to quickly turn sour. So, the brewers thought, "If we can't brew beer during the summer, let's brew a large quantity in March so it can be preserved until autumn!"
* The origin of "Lager" (storage), spending the summer in underground caves
Märzen was born as a long-term storage beer to survive the summer. To prevent spoilage, the alcohol content was made slightly higher (approx. 5.5%~) and more hops, which have antiseptic properties, were added. Then, it was transported with ice to cool cellars (Felsenkeller) or caves at the foot of the Alps and allowed to mature slowly at low temperatures throughout the summer.
The German word "Lagern" (to store) is the origin of the current term "lager beer." In other words, Schmatz's Lager (Märzen) is a historical style that can be said to be the origin of lager beer. The beer, matured until autumn, became mellow and smooth, and was served as a celebratory beer at the famous Oktoberfest.
3. 92 points recognized worldwide! The science behind its deliciousness
Schmatz's Lager, filled with historical romance, is also highly praised by modern professionals. A score of 92 points in the "Finest Beer Selection" is proof of its flawlessness and artistic balance. Let's "scientifically" analyze its deliciousness a bit.
* The savory aroma of "bread crust" thanks to the Maillard reaction
When you pour Schmatz's Lager into a glass, you'll notice its beautiful amber color. And when you take a sip, a savory sweetness, like freshly baked toast or caramel, spreads through your mouth.
This is due to the "Maillard reaction" that occurs during the production process of malts such as "Münchner malt" and "Caramel malt." The same chemical reaction that makes bread brown and fragrant when baked also occurs during the beer brewing process.
This savoriness is the biggest feature of Schmatz Lager, setting it apart from just a "bitter beer." It's the true identity of the richness that gives it "the taste of authentic Germany."
* The golden ratio of 100% German malt and noble hops
Of course, their commitment to ingredients is also unwavering. Based on the "Reinheitsgebot" (German Purity Law), there are absolutely no auxiliary ingredients, only 100% German malt. This creates a creamy, long-lasting, supreme foam.
Furthermore, they use traditional "noble hops" (such as Hallertau Tradition) from the Hallertau region of Germany. Unlike the flashy citrusy aromas of American craft beers, these hops are characterized by an elegant and mild aroma, like herbs or flowers. These refined hops, without interfering with the sweetness of the malt, give the aftertaste a "crisp" finish. Sweet yet drinkable. This "balance of crispness and richness" is the reason for its 92 points.
4. Practice! How to drink Schmatz Lager in the most delicious way
Since it's a "92-point lager," we want you to enjoy it in its most delicious state! Here's how Schmatz recommends drinking it.
* The correct temperature is "6-8°C"
While ice-cold beer is delicious, Schmatz's Lager is not meant to be "too cold." The best temperature is "6-8°C," after it's been out of the refrigerator for a little while. If the temperature is too low, the sweetness and savory aroma of the malt will be suppressed and you won't be able to appreciate them. For glasses, a slightly flared mouth or a mug is recommended so you can enjoy the aroma with your nose.
* There's a "scientific reason" why it pairs well with sausages
"Beer and sausage" is a classic combination, but did you know they're a perfect match at a molecular level?
◯ Cutting Effect: The carbonation and hop bitterness of the lager cut through the juicy fat of the sausage, cleansing your palate and resetting your mouth.
◯ Bridging Effect: The savory aroma of the grilled sausage skin and the toasted aroma from the malt in the lager (Maillard reaction) resonate as complementary flavors, amplifying the deliciousness.
Pair it with Schmatz's popular "Sausage Platter" or pan-fried "Schnitzel," and you'll feel like you're in Bavaria, Germany! Surprisingly, "Rollmops with Kohada" (marinated herring) also makes a connoisseur's pairing, as the acidity of the vinegar and the sweetness of the beer match well.
5. Summary: A glass filled with history and dedication at Schmatz
Schmatz's Lager is not just a "quick beer." It's a proud "Märzen" filled with wisdom born from the brewing ban of 1553, the rich flavor of 100% German malt, and quality recognized worldwide.
"Wow, this is the taste that Germans preserved in caves in the old days." Reflecting on such history while letting the amber liquid flow down your throat will surely be a special experience.
Please try this "92-point authentic German beer" at a Schmatz near you or at home. Prost (Cheers)!
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