O'zapft

The portrait

O'zapft is La Nébuleuse's foray into the world of German festive beers. This Märzen presents itself as a direct homage to Bavarian traditions , proudly bearing the opening cry of Munich's Oktoberfest, "O'zapft is!" – "It's fired!"

On the nose, this beer reveals a generous character dominated by notes of honey and caramel. On the palate, the balance is confirmed with an aromatic profile centered on caramel, accompanied by floral nuances that add a touch of delicacy. Tasters describe it as a well-balanced beer, where malty sweetness meets a clean finish characteristic of bottom-fermented lagers. Some even detect a "very cool" dimension, attesting to its approachability and its ability to charm without excessive complexity.

The story

O'zapft is part of La Nébuleuse's "Hold Hop" series, a range dedicated to exploring classic brewing styles reinterpreted with the brewery's Swiss Romand touch. By choosing to brew a Märzen, La Nébuleuse paid homage to centuries-old German traditions, these beers historically brewed in March (hence their name "Märzen") and left to mature to be enjoyed during autumn festivals.

The very name of the beer, "O'zapft," directly references the opening ritual of Munich's Oktoberfest , where the city's mayor traditionally pushes open the tap of the first keg while exclaiming "O'zapft is!" This choice evokes not only the celebration, but also the convivial and festive spirit that characterizes large Bavarian gatherings.

Food and beer pairings

Märzen beers, like O'zapft, naturally complement the hearty dishes of autumn cuisine. This beer pairs wonderfully with the following dishes:

• Charcuterie and grilled sausages - pretzel, cervelas, veal sausage, the traditional Oktoberfest combination

• Slow-cooked dishes – pot-au-feu, stews, braised meats – that complement the caramelized notes of the malt.

• Semi-hard cheeses Gruyère, Appenzell, Comté: a bridge between Switzerland and Germany

• Savory tarts - Quiche Lorraine, onion tart, where the malty sweetness complements the smoky and buttery flavors

The final word

O'zapft is one of those seasonal creations that mark a moment in a brewery's history. While it's no longer brewed regularly, it reflects La Nébuleuse's commitment to exploring classic European brewing styles while maintaining its Swiss Romand identity. For those lucky enough to have tasted it between 2019 and 2020, O'zapft remains a cherished memory of those autumns when the Nebulous Zeppelin landed in Bavaria for a malty escapade.

Cheers! 🍻

The recipe