Round 4, Bout 2 (Quarterfinal 2) of Master of Marzen 2020 sees Eight Bridges Brewing (CA) take on Klaus Brewing (TX).
Eight Bridges has been a top-performing first time entrant of this tournament and Klaus has a long history of making top-notch German style beer. This one is going to be awesome.
Packaging Design
Eight Bridges have some amazing packaging design for their Brewno Marzen. The illustration of the man himself, dressed in a brewery-based jersey, makes for one of the best puns in this tournament. The yellow, red and black of the German flag makes up the background. A great can.
Unfortunately, this criterion isn’t ideal for Klaus. Their bomber has a nicely made label, but it just can’t compete with Brewno Marzen.
Running total: Eight Bridges 1-0 Klaus.
Aroma
Eight Bridge’s Brewno Marzen offers a mild but malty aroma. It’s not quite as powerful as others, but the toasted malts, its warmth, and a slight earthiness make for a wonderful experience.
Klaus’ Drindl Dropper is a powerful and flavorful brew. It also leads with a nice malt profile, but adds a slight sweetness.
I’m torn here. I think Eight Bridges offer a more complex aroma, but the extra power from Klaus is a noticeable difference. In the end, this one goes to Eight Bridges. Running total: Eight Bridges 2-0 Klaus.
Flavor
Brewno Marzen is light and malty with a slightly floral twist. It has a bright hop profile that brightens up the experience, but also deviates a bit from the traditional Marzen experience.
Drindl Dropper is a more traditional tasting Marzen. It’s malt-forward and slightly sweet, with just enough hops on the backend to really pull the experience together.
This one is a win for Klaus. Running total: Eight Bridges 2-1 Klaus.
Body
Brewno Marzen is light and crisp, with a reasonably high carbonation. It carries its flavor well, and remains quite drinkable despite the effervescence. All in all, it has an excellent mouthfeel.
Drindl Dropper is heavier and smoother. It offers a tremendous level of drinkability and tons of flavor. It manages to bump up the taste factor without becoming bloating.
With that in mind, it’s another point for Klaus. Running total: Eight Bridges 2-2 Klaus.
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?
Eight Bridges were able to pull off the People’s Choice with a 3/5 split. Running total: Eight Bridges 3-2 Klaus.
Results
An amazing bout ends as close as close can be. Eight Bridges now progress to the semifinals where they meet 4 By 4 for a spot in the final.
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 
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