The Brewer: Christian Muckerman - A Modern-Day Brewer Inspired By History
Oktoberfest Beer Recipe from Mishicott Brewing Company
Much like many can dream about becoming an astronaut or a firefighter, Christian Muckerman had a different aspiration in mind - to be a brewer! This passion, however, wasn't born out of a childhood desire but was instead nurtured by the rich craft beer tradition in his family.
Brewing beer had been a part of Christian's life since he was a toddler, growing up with parents who enjoyed the brew and his father, a general manager of a local restaurant in the 80s and 90s, bringing the relatively new concept of craft beer to their town. Little did he know that this exposure would set him on a path to achieving his dream!
In the infancy of the craft brewing industry, his father brought trendy brews like Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, and Abita to their small town. It was only a matter of time until Christian developed a taste for good beer as well. Throughout college, he dabbled with homebrewing, but it wasn't until a few years later that his homebrewing journey truly took off.
Christian knew he was serious about brewing, had a clear vision for his home brewery, and wanted the best equipment to make it happen. He found what he needed in the Spike Trio Brewing System, which mirrored the look and feel of a professional brewery while catering to the homebrewing scale. As he prepared his home brewery, he also enrolled in an accredited program jointly run through Virginia Tech and the University of Richmond for a Professional Brewer's Certificate. He was determined to learn as much as he could about brewing and the logistics of starting a brewery.
With a vision and education in hand, Christian set out on a mission to establish his family's brewing legacy, Mishicott Brewing, which operated in Mishicot, Wisconsin prior to the onset of Prohibition in the United States. Interestingly, Spike's equipment is engineered and assembled in Wisconsin, another reason Christian wanted to invest in it. Another exciting connection is his family's history with icehouses in St. Louis, Missouri, where they delivered ice to a young Anheuser-Busch, proving that beer has always been in his blood!
Christian's passion for brewing is evident in his dedication to the craft. He believes in hands-on learning and even recommends "getting your hands dirty" and learning from mistakes. Spike does an excellent job of making the Brew Day accessible to anyone willing to put their heart into it!
One of the beers Christian is particularly proud of is the Maerzen, a traditional German lager. He has even shared his Maerzen recipe, which uses a combination of German Pilsner, Light Munich, Vienna, Caramunich, and Carafoam malts for rich flavor and a clean, crisp finish.
Maerzen: The Legendary Oktoberfest Beer
What is a Maerzen?
Maerzen, also known as an Oktoberfest beer, is a rich, full-bodied German lager brewed in March and aged for consumption during Oktoberfest celebrations. The name comes from the German word for March, as historically, this style of beer was brewed in March and aged over the summer months to be enjoyed during the festivities in September and October.
History and Characteristics
The origins of Maerzen can be traced back to medieval times, when farmers in the Bavarian region of Germany would brew beer to last throughout the winter. The tradition of brewing and serving Maerzen during Oktoberfest began in 1810, and the style quickly became integral to the festival. The beer's deep amber color, rich malty flavor, and crisp finish make it an ideal choice for Oktoberfest celebrations.
Essential Ingredients
Key ingredients in a Maerzen include German Pilsner, Munich, Vienna, and Cara malts, along with Bavarian hops like Tettnang or Hallertau.
Tasting Notes
A traditional Maerzen showcases a complex malt character with hints of caramel, bread crust, and biscuits. Its flavor profile is malty-forward, often showcasing a toasty and biscuity character, with a well-balanced hop bitterness and a clean, dry finish.
Brewing Process
The brewing process involves several steps, including malting and milling, mashing, lautering, boiling, cooling, and fermentation. The beer is then lagered in cold storage to mature, which enhances clarity and flavor stability.
Oktoberfest and Beyond
Oktoberfest may be the most popular time to enjoy Maerzen, but its popularity extends beyond the festival. Craft breweries worldwide have embraced this style, offering their interpretations of the classic beer. If you're looking to experiment, try brewing a Maerzen at home or exploring different variations at your local brewery.
Pro Tips for Brewing Your Own Maerzen
1. Lager your lager.
While the term "lager" may be a noun, it requires action to produce a real lager - lagering! Lagering refers to the cold storage of the beer for several weeks (or more) to allow it to mature and develop its characteristic flavor profile.
2. Conduct a diacetyl rest.
If you have control over the temperature of your ferment, consider conducting a diacetyl rest as you approach terminal gravity. This process involves raising the fermentation temperature by 2 degrees per day until you reach a stable 62F, which will ensure a clean and crisp-tasting beer with minimal diacetyl.
3. Simplify your grain bill.
While a complex grain bill can be interesting, it can also complicate the brewing process. Try sticking to the basics with a few key malt profiles for a more straightforward beer. After all, a great beer can be brewed with just a few ingredients!
- Christian Muckerman's home brewery houses the Spike Trio Brewing System, offering him a professional-like experience for his homebrewing.
- In addition to his passion for brewing, Christian is also interested in various aspects of the food-and-drink lifestyle, including exploring new recipes for cooking and beverages.
- Beyond the brew day, Christian finds inspiration in fashion-and-beauty trends, since the packaging and branding of craft brews play a significant role in their marketability.
- Using his smartphone, Christian frequently researches technology-related gadgets to improve his homebrewing and brewery operations, from equipment maintenance tools to efficiency-enhancing apps.
- During the brewing process, Christian maintains a focus on the history and tradition of brewing, drawing inspiration from the medieval roots of Maerzen.
- Alongside his Maerzen recipe, Christian also shares his home-and-garden tips for creating an optimal environment for brewing, such as proper temperature control and humidity management.
