When it comes to creating exceptional beers, the choice of malt plays a crucial role in determining the flavor, color, and body of the final product. One malt producer that has been a favorite among brewers for years is Viking Malt. With six malthouses spread across Nordic countries, Viking Malt has established itself as a leading supplier of high-quality malt.
One of the key factors that sets Viking Malt apart is its use of distinctive Nordic barley, sourced from regions like Halmstad in Sweden, Vordingborg in Denmark, Lahti in Finland, and Panevezys, Sierpc, and Strzegom in Poland. This carefully selected barley, with its unique characteristics and flavors, forms the foundation of Viking Malt's offerings.
Among the popular malt varieties produced by Viking Malt are Víking Gylltur, Víking Lager, and Víking Lite. Each of these beers has its own unique flavor profile and alcohol by volume (ABV) content. Víking Gylltur boasts a 5.6% ABV, offering a slightly stronger and bolder taste. Víking Lager, with a 4.5% ABV, provides a classic and refreshing flavor that appeals to a wider audience. Lastly, Víking Lite, with its lower 4.4% ABV, offers a lighter and more sessionable option for those looking for a more moderate drinking experience.
But what makes Viking Malt stand out even more is the process through which its malt is created. Vienna malt, one of the varieties produced by Viking Malt, undergoes a slightly higher curing temperature compared to pilsner malt. This higher temperature imparts a beautiful golden color to the beer brewed with Vienna malt and increases its body and fullness. However, it's important to note that Vienna malt has slightly lower enzyme activity compared to pilsner malt, which affects the brewing process.
In fact, by plugging the ABV figures of Viking Ale into brewing spreadsheets, we can deduce that with a dry mash (using less water), Viking Ale would have had an impressive 13% ABV. However, with the wet mash method commonly used today, the ABV would have been around 2.6%. This example showcases the impact of different brewing techniques and how they can influence the final product.
With its commitment to using Nordic barley and its dedication to producing a range of malt varieties that cater to different tastes, Viking Malt has become a trusted name in the brewing industry. Whether you're a fan of bold and strong beers or prefer something lighter and more sessionable, Viking Malt has something to offer.
So, the next time you enjoy a pint of Viking Gylltur, Víking Lager, or Víking Lite, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and expertise that goes into creating these exceptional brews. Viking Malt continues to uphold the Nordic brewing tradition, ensuring that every sip is a testament to their commitment to quality and flavor.
Where Is Viking Malt From?
Viking Malt, a renowned malt producer, sources its distinctive Nordic barley from six malthouses located in different regions. These malthouses are situated in Halmstad, Sweden; Vordingborg, Denmark; Lahti, Finland; Panevezys, Lithuania; and Sierpc and Strzegom, Poland. Each of these locations plays a vital role in the production of Viking Malt, ensuring the high quality and unique characteristics of their malt. Let's take a closer look at each of these malthouses:
1. Halmstad, Sweden: This malthouse is situated in Halmstad, a city on the west coast of Sweden. Here, Viking Malt benefits from the fertile soil and favorable climate conditions for barley cultivation.
2. Vordingborg, Denmark: Located in Vordingborg, a municipality in the southern part of Denmark, this malthouse contributes to the production of Viking Malt. The region's agricultural expertise and suitable growing conditions contribute to the quality of the barley.
3. Lahti, Finland: The malthouse in Lahti, Finland, plays a significant role in Viking Malt's production. Finland's northern climate and long summer days provide ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality barley.
4. Panevezys, Lithuania: Viking Malt's malthouse in Panevezys, Lithuania, adds to the diverse range of barley sources. The region's rich soil and moderate climate contribute to the growth of barley with unique characteristics.
5. Sierpc, Poland: Situated in Sierpc, Poland, this malthouse is another key location for Viking Malt's barley sourcing. Poland's favorable agricultural conditions, including fertile land and suitable climate, ensure the production of quality barley.
6. Strzegom, Poland: The malthouse in Strzegom, Poland, further strengthens Viking Malt's barley supply. The region's agricultural expertise and favorable growing conditions contribute to the production of premium-quality malt.
By utilizing these various malthouses located in different Nordic and Baltic countries, Viking Malt can source a wide range of barley varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. This allows Viking Malt to offer a diverse selection of malt to meet the specific needs and preferences of brewers and distillers around the world.
What Is The Alcohol Content Of Viking Beer?
Viking beer, produced by Víking Brewery in Iceland, offers a range of popular options with varying alcohol content. Here are the details:
1. Víking Gylltur: This particular variety of Viking beer has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.6%. It is known for its rich and flavorful profile, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
2. Víking Lager: Another popular choice is Víking Lager, which has an ABV of 4.5%. With its smooth and refreshing taste, this beer appeals to a wide range of consumers.
3. Víking Lite: For those who prefer a lighter option, Víking Lite is a great choice. It has an ABV of 4.4%, making it a more moderate choice in terms of alcohol content.
It is worth noting that the alcohol content may vary slightly depending on the specific batch or production process. Nonetheless, these three options from Viking beer provide a range of choices to suit different preferences.
How Strong Was Viking Beer?
Viking beer, known as Viking Ale, had varying levels of strength depending on the brewing process used. The strength of Viking Ale can be measured in terms of alcohol by volume (abv).
1. Dry Mash Process:
– With a dry mash, which involved using less water during the brewing process, Viking Ale would have been quite potent. It is estimated that the abv of Viking Ale brewed using a dry mash would have been approximately 13%.
2. Wet Mash Process:
– In modern brewing practices, a wet mash is commonly used, which involves utilizing a higher amount of water. This results in a less concentrated beer. In the case of Viking Ale brewed with a wet mash, the abv would have been significantly lower. It is estimated that Viking Ale brewed using a wet mash would have had an abv of around 2.6%.
Please note that these figures are based on calculations using brewing spreadsheets, taking into account the different mash processes and their impact on alcohol content. The strength of Viking beer can vary depending on factors such as the specific ingredients used, fermentation techniques, and individual brewers' practices.
Conclusion
Viking Malt is a renowned malt producer with six malthouses strategically located across the Nordic region. Their distinctive Nordic barley, sourced from areas such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, and Poland, sets them apart in the industry. Among their popular offerings are Viking Gylltur, Viking Lager, and Viking Lite, each with its own unique flavor profile and alcohol content.
When it comes to brewing, Viking Malt's expertise shines through. By analyzing the brewing spreadsheets, we can determine that their Viking Ale, depending on the brewing method used, would have an impressive alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 2.6% to a staggering 13%. This versatility allows brewers to create a wide range of beer styles using Viking Malt's products.
One of the standout characteristics of Viking Malt's Vienna malt is its higher curing temperature, which results in a golden-colored beer. This malt also enhances the body and fullness of the brew. While its enzyme activity may be slightly lower than pilsner malt, the unique qualities of Vienna Malt make it an excellent choice for brewers looking to add depth and richness to their creations.
Viking Malt's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their products. With their extensive malthouse network and expertise in producing exceptional malts, they continue to be a trusted partner for brewers seeking to create distinctive and flavorful beers.
