BJCP 2021 / 7A
Vienna Lager
A clean, toasty amber lager with light hop balance and a dry finish.
- Drink fresh
- standard strength
- amber color
- bottom fermented
- lagered
Serve: 42 to 46F, Pint or mug
OG1.120
1.048 to 1.055FG1.030
1.010 to 1.014IBU120
18 to 30SRM40
9 to 15ABV14%
4.7 to 5.5%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Light toast and a soft bready sweetness
- A little floral or spicy hop
- Clean lager
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Toast with a touch of hop
- Best
- Low to moderate toasted bread aroma, very low floral and spicy hop, clean lager yeast
Appearance
3 pts- Light amber to reddish copper
- Brilliantly clear
- Off-white head
- Vague
- Amber
- Better
- Copper and clear
- Best
- Light reddish copper, brilliant clarity, off-white head that persists
Flavor
20 pts- Gentle toasted malt with a touch of sweetness
- Light hop flavor
- Dry, crisp finish
- Vague
- Toasty
- Better
- Soft toast with a dry finish
- Best
- Moderate toasted bread malt, low spicy hop flavor, moderate bitterness, crisp dry finish with a lingering toasty aftertaste
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium-light to medium body
- Medium carbonation
- Smooth
- Vague
- Smooth
- Better
- Medium-light and smooth
- Best
- Medium-light body, smooth, medium carbonation, no sweetness build-up
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Subtle toast
- Dry finish
Drops it
- Sweetness
- Roast
- Heavy caramel
Writing tip
Keep malt subtle in your notes. Example: 'Gentle toast with a clean dry finish and light noble hop. Great drinkability.'
Pour these
- Vienna LagerDevils BackboneClean toast and light hop
- Eliot NessGreat Lakes BrewingA smooth amber with a toasty finish
- Boston LagerSamuel AdamsA more hop-forward, clean amber
Often confused with
- 6A MärzenMärzen is richer, fuller and more sweet-toasty
- 2B International Amber LagerInternational Amber Lager is simpler with a little less hop
Fine here
- DMS: A trace is tolerated
Ruinous here
- Diacetyl: Butter
- Oxidized: Stale toast
- Astringent: Harsh husk tannins
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.