Paulaner is one of the six breweries allowed to serve at the real Munich Oktoberfest, and this marzen is the festival beer most people picture. It is a smooth, toasty amber lager, richer than an everyday helles but still very drinkable, and it is the taste of autumn. I picked up a batch for this guide.
See how this stacks up against Samuel Adams Octoberfest, Spaten, and Hofbrau in our Best Oktoberfest Beers 2026 roundup.
Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen at a glance
| Style | Oktoberfest marzen |
| ABV | 6.0% |
| Calories | Around 180 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Paulaner, Munich, Germany |
| Character | Toasted bread, caramel, smooth malt |
| Best served | Cold, in a stein or mug |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a smooth, malty amber lager, richer than a helles but built to be drunk in quantity.
The full review
It pours a lovely clear amber-gold with a fluffy off-white head. The aroma is warm and malty, toasted bread, light caramel and a gentle noble-hop note.
The flavour is smooth and malt-led. There is a rich toasted-bread and caramel character, a clean lager body and a soft, gently bitter finish. It is fuller and maltier than an everyday lager but it never gets heavy or sweet.
That balance is the whole trick of a good marzen. It has enough richness to feel like a treat but stays drinkable enough to enjoy by the litre, which is exactly what the festival demands. At 6% it has a bit of warmth too.
It is a reliable, authentic Oktoberfest beer from one of the official festival breweries. The proper taste of autumn in a glass.
It has enough richness to feel like a treat but stays drinkable by the litre, exactly what the festival demands.
- An authentic official Oktoberfest beer
- Smooth, toasty, malty character
- Rich but still very drinkable
- The proper taste of autumn
- Only a seasonal treat for some
- Maltier than fans of crisp lager may want
Who it is for
If you want the real Munich Oktoberfest taste, this is one of the official festival beers. Perfect for autumn drinking and hearty food.
Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen FAQs
What is an Oktoberfest marzen?
A marzen is a smooth, malty amber lager traditionally brewed in March (Marz) and served in autumn at Oktoberfest. It is richer and toastier than an everyday helles but still built to be drunk in large quantities.
What does Paulaner Oktoberfest taste like?
Smooth toasted bread and light caramel malt over a clean lager body, with a soft, gently bitter finish. It is malty and warming but stays very drinkable.
Is Paulaner served at the real Oktoberfest?
Yes. Paulaner is one of only six Munich breweries permitted to serve beer at the official Oktoberfest, so this is an authentic festival beer.
Where to buy Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen
Paulaner Oktoberfest is available seasonally across the US in bottles and cans. Buy it using the button above.
The verdict
Paulaner Oktoberfest is the classic Munich festival beer, a smooth, toasty amber marzen from an official Oktoberfest brewery. Rich enough to feel special, drinkable enough for a stein. The taste of autumn.
FAQs
Who makes Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen?
Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen is brewed by Paulaner (majority-owned by the Schorghuber Group, with Heineken holding a minority stake).
What kind of beer is Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen?
Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen is an Oktoberfest marzen, at 6.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen?
Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen has an ABV of 6.0%.
How many calories are in Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen?
Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen has Around 180 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen made?
Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen is brewed by Paulaner in Munich, Germany. For more from that country, see our best Germany beers guide.
What is a good alternative to Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen?
If you can’t find Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen, Ayinger Oktoberfest Marzen is a close alternative in the same Oktoberfest marzen category.
How do I open Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen?
Cold, in a stein or mug. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
