German Amber Lager - Vienna Lager

BJCP 09-B

AROMA

Dark German (Vienna or Munich) malt aroma. A light toasted malt aroma may be present. Similar, though less intense than Oktoberfest.

APPEARANCE

Reddish amber to light brown color. Bright clarity and solid foam stand.

FLAVOR

Soft, elegant malt complexity is in the forefront, with a firm enough hop presence to provide a balanced finish. Some toasted character from the use of Vienna malt.

MOUTH FEEL

Light to medium body, with a gentle creaminess. Medium carbonation.

OVERALL

Characterized by soft, elegant maltiness that dries out in the finish to avoid becoming overly sweet.

INGREDIENTS

Vienna malt provides a lightly toasty and complex, melanoidin-rich malt profile. As with Oktoberfests, only the finest quality malt should be used, along with Continental hops (preferably noble varieties). Moderately hard, carbonate-rich water.

HISTORY

The original amber lager developed by Anton Dreher shortly after the isolation of lager yeast. Nearly extinct in its area of origin. The style owes much of its character to the method of malting (Vienna malt). Lighter overall than Oktoberfest, yet still decidedly balanced toward malt.

COMMERCIAL EXAMPLES

Negra Modelo, Portland Lager, 150 Jahre, Augsburger Red, Leinenkugel Red.

VITAL

OG: 1.046-1.052 IBUs: 18-30 FG: 1.010-1.014 SRM: 8-12 ABV: 4.6-5.5%