Vienna Lager

Introduction – by Firkin Ron

The term beer style refers to a broad set of descriptors used to differentiate and categorize types of beers. Descriptors such as color, flavor, strength, ingredients, production method, recipe, history, and origin create the framework for establishing a beer style. And almost any time you buy a beer, the beer lists its style on the packaging. Why? To provide the buyer with a basic preview and understanding of the beer’s look, smell, taste and drinkability. Today there are hundreds of documented beer styles. Furthermore, a handful of organizations created their own unique classifications. However, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) provides one of the most commonly used set of style guidelines. This week’s beer style overview features Vienna Lager.

Vienna Lager – by Owen Ogletree

In the mid-1800s, brewer Anton Dreher of Austria’s Schwechater brewery used his kilns to lightly roast a new type of pale malt that produced beers with a toasty, soft, elegant flavor profile. Dreher’s Vienna malt gave rise to the first Vienna Lager. Compared to a German Märzen, Vienna Lager should be a bit lighter in body and offer milder malt notes reminiscent of toasted biscuit crust. Look for a light noble hop aroma with zero fruity esters. Brewers should also try to avoid sweet caramel notes in this somewhat dry style.

In 1864, Napoleon III declared Austria’s Maximilian I emperor of Mexico. Maximilian moved to Mexico and took along a few Austrian brewers — each of which brought a love for Vienna Lager. After only three years, Mexico’s Benito Juarez led a revolution and executed Maximilian. For obvious reasons, the Austrian brewers had become valued members of the community and were allowed to continue production of Vienna Lager that helped shape the future of brewing in Mexico.

 

 

About Owen Ogletree

Owen is founder/editor of Brewtopia LLC. In addition, he is columnist for Southern Brew News and Beer Connoisseur Magazine, lecturer at Knoxville’s Brewing & Distilling Center, founder/director of the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting and Classic City Brew Fest, and a BJCP National Beer Judge. Owen has also served as a beer judge at the Great American Beer Festival and the Great British Beer Festival.