Vienna Lager is called so because it originated in Vienna, Austria in the 1840s. The beer style was developed by Anton Dreher, who was an Austrian brewer with his own brewery. Dreher started using a new type of malt known as Vienna malt, which gave the beer its unique characteristics.
Vienna malt is a pale modified toasty malt that was developed by Dreher. It is made from barley that has been kilned at a slightly higher temperature than other malts, resulting in a toasty flavor and a rich golden color. This malt became the primary ingredient in Vienna Lager, and it played a crucial role in defining the style.
Before the introduction of Vienna malt, beers in Vienna were typically dark and heavy. However, Dreher's use of Vienna malt allowed him to create a beer that was lighter in color and had a more delicate flavor profile. The resulting beer was a deep golden or light amber color, which was quite different from the traditional Viennese beers of the time.
The name “Vienna Lager” was given to this new style of beer because of its association with the city of Vienna. Dreher's brewery was located in Vienna, and the beer style quickly gained popularity in the city and throughout Austria. Vienna Lager became known as a distinctly Viennese beer, and the name stuck even as the style spread to other parts of the world.
Vienna Lager is known for its balanced and malty flavor profile. It has a slightly sweet, caramel-like taste with a toasty, biscuity character from the Vienna malt. The beer is often described as having a medium body and a clean, crisp finish. It is typically well-hopped but not overly bitter, allowing the malt flavors to shine through.
Today, Vienna Lager is still brewed in Vienna and has also become a popular style among craft brewers worldwide. Its rich history and unique flavor profile make it a favorite among beer enthusiasts. So, the name “Vienna Lager” not only refers to its geographical origin but also represents a specific brewing tradition and a style of beer that has captivated beer drinkers for many years.