Round 3, Bout 7 of Master of Marzen features Parleaux Beer Lab (LA) and Paulaner Munchen (Germany).
Parleaux has been a strong performer through this tournament, and Paulaner is one of the most notable German beer brands. This should be a tremendous bout, so let’s get rocking.
Packaging Design
Two different takes on label design here.
Parleaux’s Long Way To Fall is a clean and enjoyable label. It has the typical Oktoberfest check in the lower section and a mountain range up top, all punctuated by a flash of yellow.
Paulaner’s Label hosts their logo in front of three steins of beer. It’s a tasty looking label, but lacks some of the traditional branding.
With than in mind, I’m giving this one to Parleaux. Running total: Parleaux 1-0 Paulaner.
Aroma
Parleaux’s Long Way to Fall is a markedly darker appearing brew, and it offers a nice malty aroma to go with it. It has a hint of earthiness, a touch of heat, and a mild sweetness to round out a really great aromatic experience.
Paulaner’s Oktoberfest Bier is also a malty smelling beer, but it has a more biscuity aroma than toasted. This is no surprise, as it pours a light straw color. It also offers a slight warmth and a touch of hops.
These are two different takes on the seasonal styles, but I’m going to give a slight edge to Parleaux. They offer a depth and toasted malty-ness that is missing from Paulaner’s entry. Running total: Parleaux 2-0 Paulaner.
Flavor
Long Way to Fall is a really well brewed marzen. It’s smooth and malt-forward, with a mix of earthy and sweet on the backend to round it out. My only downside is it may be a bit too sweet, as the aftertaste leans heavily on a sugary flavor.
The Paulaner offers a flavor that’s to be expected given its appearance and aroma. It’s a lighter, thinner brew, with a biscuity malt front end and a nice mix of hoppy depth on the back end. The aftertaste is a well-balanced hop, without much bitterness.
This one leans Paulaner in my book. Running total: Parleaux 2-1 Paulaner.
Body
Long Way to Fall is smooth and easy drinking, with a low carbonation and a firm but gentle flavor. It’s stupidly easy to drink.
Paulaner’s Oktoberfest Bier is also incredibly smooth. It’s a bit lighter, slightly more carbonated, but overall an insanely easy drinker too.
As you can see above, the Paulaner held a slight ring of foam and laced much better than the Parleaux. Considering both had great mouthfeel in their own right, this is the difference.
And with that said, the slight edge goes to Paulaner. Running total: Parleaux 2-2 Paulaner.
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 Paulaner pulls ahead in the end. Running total: Parleaux 2-3 Paulaner.
Results
Parleaux put up a great fight against a world-famous beer brand, but fell a little short. Paulaner now progresses to round 4 where they meet the winner of Double Nickel vs. Brew Monkey.
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 