Beer: Vienna

Brewery: Sierra Nevada

Abv: 5.3%

Beer Style: Vienna Lager

Country of Origin: United States of America

Serving Method: Bottle poured into dimple pint

Background: Sierra Nevada is one of those breweries that never fails to please really. Sierra Nevada’s portfolio caters to lagerphiles, experimental beer lovers, and hopheads like myself. Now and then I like a lager, preferably a pilsner. But a Vienna Lager is a beer that I can always appreciate. Let’s take a look at their example of this style: Vienna. This is a seasonal beer that is featured in their Fall seasonal sampler. This beer has a special place in my heart and I’ll share that with you later sometime.

Taste & Aroma: Malt, biscuits, and hay tickle the nose as the glass nears your nose and mouuth. This is typical of the style, and it is a delicious style. I braced myself for intense flavors. The malty start is potent and feels cracker-like. The maltiness changes to a biscuity flavor with a mellow bready finish. This is a complex beer when it comes to Vienna Lagers.

Final Analysis: I would love to try this beer from a tap. I can say nothing but good things about this beer. However, I’m shocked that Sierra Nevada doesn’t make this year round. It would be a better year round choice than their disappointing Nooner Pilsner. Other examples of Vienna Lagers include Dos Equis Amber, Sam Adams Boston Lager,  Eliot Ness by Great Lakes, and Schell’s Firebrick. Try a Vienna Lager.