Round 3, Bout 4 of Master of Marzen 2020 sees Klaus Brewing (TX) take on Roundhouse Brewery (MN).
Both of these breweries make a damn good Marzen, so this one is going to be epic. Let’s get things rolling.
Packaging Design
This criterion is not much of a contest. Klaus’ bomber is not really in a position to compete with a stylized can like Roundhouse’s. Running total: Klaus 0-1 Roundhouse.
Aroma
Drindl Dropper offers a powerful and malty aroma. It offers a slight warmth and a touch of hoppiness on the back. It smells like the textbook Marzen.
Der Zug’s aroma is not quite as powerful, but does offer tons of toasted malt aroma. It has a slight sweetness and almost coffee-y note to it.
Based on the difference of power, I’m giving a slight edge to Klaus here. Running total: Klaus 1-1 Roundhouse.
Flavor
Drindl Dropper is an amazing take on the Marzen style. It’s smooth, malty and a little sweet. A mild, dry, hoppy bite rounds out the backend and sets up the aftertaste. There’s a retention of the aftertaste, but no significant build. A very tasty brew.
Der Zug is a deep, smooth, and slightly sweet brew that’s packed with toasted malt flavors. It offers a very consistent flavor through the open and backend, and creates a malty and slightly bitter aftertaste that retains.
This is a tough decision, because both beers are excellent takes on the style. That said, I think I give a slight edge to Roundhouse. The deeper toasted malts just push it over the edge. Running total: Klaus 1-2 Roundhouse.
Body
As you can see in the image below, both retained a little head in the form of a foam ring. They also both laced somewhat. There’s little separation on these sub-criterion.
If all comes down to mouthfeel. Klaus’ Drindl Dropper is smooth, but also reasonably carbonated. It carries tons of flavor and has a mild carbonation tickle. That said, it’s not much of a bloating risk.
Der Zug, in contrast, has a much lower carbonation point. It’s silky smooth, incredibly easy to drink, and packed with flavor. Its relative sweetness does lead to minor mouth-coating over time.
Another incredibly tough decision here. After several more mouthfuls and much deliberation, I give a slight edge to Klaus. Their lighter, brighter, and more carbonated beer makes for a great experience over time. Running total: Klaus 2-2 Roundhouse.
People’s Choice
As in last year’s tournament, my Instagram followers have the opportunity to shape the decisions of each bout. In the 24 hours directly preceding each bout, a poll is placed on my Instagram story. Whoever has the most votes when the poll closes, takes this fifth criteria. So how did it shape up?
This one was fairly close, but Klaus was able to just edge out Roundhouse. Running total: Klaus 3-2 Roundhouse.
Results
This was a very competitive, back-and-forth affair, but Klaus snuck out victorious. They now roll into Round 4 where they will meet Eight Bridges.
Be sure to check back regularly and to follow me on Instagram for your latest updates and opportunity to vote on each bout throughout the tournament. Until next time, cheers y’all!
Sgt. Suds 