Portland-based Zupan’s Markets teamed up with Breakside Brewery for the 18th installment in the company’s Farm to Market collaboration beer series, and the result is a perfect style for March: Amber Lager, a Märzen-styled brew. This is at least the second time Breakside and Zupan’s have teamed up on this series, and I’m always happy to see the Märzen style getting some love.

Details from the press release:

Zupan’s Markets has partnered with Portland’s Breakside Brewery to develop the 18th beer in their Farm-to-Market lineup. The beer, a version of a classic Märzen, is a traditional German fest lager, reminiscent of the malty, amber lagers popular at Oktoberfest throughout the 20th century. It’s a perfect beer to warm you up on a chilly day or to enjoy with friends by the pint on the first warm days of the year.

“Zupan’s Markets is so excited to continue to grow our Farm-to-Market lineup,” said Zupan’s Markets President and CEO Mike Zupan. “Breakside continues to produce high-quality brews and this lager is the perfect mix of malt intensity and fantastic drinkability.”

This amber lager beer is currently on shelves at all three Zupan’s Markets locations as well as on tap at select Breakside Brewpub locations. The beer is sold in single 16 oz cans for $4.25 or a 4-pack for $13.99, and its label was designed by local artist Erik Abel. The beer will only be available for a limited time.

“Breakside is honored to be partnering once again with Zupan’s Markets on their Farm-to-Market series.” said Breakside’s VP of Sales and Marketing E.K. MacColl. “This beer is balanced, satiating and rich and is a great style to mark the end of winter and coming of spring.”

Farm to Market Beer Profile: ABV 5.7%, IBU 17
Malts: Munich, Vienna, Caramunich
Hops: Mittelfruh, Hersbrucker
Tasting Notes: Caramel, smooth, fresh baked bread
Food Pairing Notes: Milk-braised pork shoulder with cabbage steamed in lemon butter. Pasta shells in smoked onion and turnip cream sauce. Honey-roasted radishes and radish tops with garlic and merguez sausage.

See also, my review of the Zupan’s/Breakside IPA two years ago.