What It Means to Be the Legend: The Story of Our Signature Märzen
Written by Claire Adamson, Associate Brand Manager
Every fall, there’s one beer that rises above the rest at Jack’s Abby: Copper Legend. Our Head Brewer, Jack Hendler, reflects fondly on this style: “Copper Legend is a beer we’ve been brewing since the beginning – we’ve brewed it every year since opening.” This signature Märzen isn’t just a seasonal favorite. It’s our take on one of the most storied beer styles in the world, brewed with care, tradition, and a little modern flair.
A Beer with History
Märzen, meaning “March beer,” is a traditional Bavarian lager that was historically brewed in the spring and stored in cool caves throughout the summer months, long before refrigeration was available. When the weather turned crisp, these beers were brought out in time for Oktoberfest, making Märzen the original festival beer. Today, Oktoberfest is celebrated worldwide, and for us, Copper Legend is the beer that carries that tradition forward in Massachusetts and beyond.
The Copper Legend Approach
Brewed with imported Pilsner, Vienna, and Munich malts, Copper Legend showcases that classic balance of sweet, toasty malt character and smooth drinkability. We use imported Seitz family hops for a subtle, earthy balance. We also employ decoction mashing, an old-world brewing technique that deepens the malt flavor and gives the beer its legendary depth. The result is malty, smooth, and endlessly drinkable; a beer that feels just as right at an Oktoberfest tent as it does at a game-day tailgate.
Tradition Meets Modern Spirit
While Copper Legend honors classic Märzen traditions, we also brew it with the precision and technical excellence that defines Jack’s Abby lagers. Jack notes that “we use all imported German ingredients that create the copper color, but brew it drier and crisper than traditional Märzen styles to be more in line with modern expectations of this style of beer.” It’s our way of bridging the gap between old-world styles and today’s craft drinkers with a beer that is approachable, authentic, and elevated.
Pair Like a Legend
Fest beers were made for gatherings, and Copper Legend is no exception. Whether you’re tailgating before the big game, throwing an Oktoberfest-themed cookout, or just enjoying crisp evenings with friends, this beer is the perfect match for hearty, festive food. Try it with:
- Savory bratwurst fresh off the grill
- Grilled veggies with a touch of char
- Classic spaetzle or soft pretzels with mustard
- And for game day? A pile of wings or loaded nachos makes it sing.
Be the Legend
Oktoberfest is the world’s most legendary beer festival, and it deserves a beer worthy of the occasion. Copper Legend is ours: malty, smooth, endlessly drinkable, and steeped in tradition. However you celebrate this season, grab a pint (or a stein), raise it high, and Be the Legend.
