Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Product Story

Ayinger Oktoberfest-Märzen is a classic German lager from Ayinger, the Bavarian brewery whose beers have graced American shelves for decades. Brewed in March, as its name suggests, this traditional Märzen is patiently lagered to be ready in time for Oktoberfest, the world's most famous celebration of beer. Anyone who's run a lager program knows what that patience actually costs — tank space held hostage for months while a beer just sits there conditioning, the opposite of how a production schedule wants to work. Ayinger's version is released seasonally in the United States from August through October, or while supplies last, making it a highly anticipated early-autumn favorite. Its moderate bitterness keeps the beer crisp and drinkable, while its smooth body provides enough depth to complement hearty foods. This is an especially versatile pairing beer for traditional German cuisine — its malty richness works wonderfully with goulash, while its clean finish cuts through the crisp coating and savory flavors of Wiener schnitzel.

BevX Score: 5 Stars

Brand Story

Ayinger Brewery is a distinguished, family-owned operation that has crafted incomparable beers for more than 140 years. Nestled in the picturesque, 1,200-year-old village of Aying—just 25 kilometers southeast of Munich in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps—the brewery embodies authentic Bavarian tradition and brewing excellence. Founded in 1878 by Johann Liebhard and now led by the Inselkammer family across six generations, Ayinger combines time-honored recipes with state-of-the-art facilities built in 1999. Using pure Alpine spring water and premium local ingredients, the brewery produces a full range of award-winning specialties, including the legendary Celebrator Doppelbock, Jahrhundert Helles, Altbairisch Dunkel, and seasonal favorites such as Oktoberfest-Märzen and Kirtabier. This is more than just beer—it is a taste of Bavaria in the glass. Ayinger captures the rich heritage, warmth, and precision of Bavarian beer culture, earning top honors at BevX since our founding. Ayinger is deeply rooted in its charming village home, a setting that transports you to centuries past while crafting beers that set contemporary standards.