American Craft Beer’s “What the Hell” series is all about digging into a beer style’s backstory, saving us all from that awkward moment when someone asks “So… what is that you’re drinking?” and we just shrug and hope no one notices.

So welcome to the latest installment (drum roll please)… “What the Hell is a Vienna Lager?”

And don’t let the name fool you. This isn’t some pompous Euro import. It’s one of beer’s quiet overachievers—subtle, flavorful, and historically badass.

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The Basics

Say hello to the often-overlooked Vienna Lager—a centuries-old Austrian style that’s malty, toasty, and far more interesting than its modest reputation suggests.

Here’s the deal: a Vienna Lager is a clean, amber-colored lager brewed using toasted Vienna malt, which gives it that signature copper hue and slightly sweet biscuit-like flavor. It uses the same bottom-fermenting yeast you’d find in your favorite crisp lager, just paired with more characterful malts.

The result? A beer that looks like autumn in a glass but drinks clean, balanced, and ridiculously easy. Think toasted bread, mild caramel, and a whisper of sweetness—not a sugar bomb, not a hop assault.

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A (Surprisingly Cool) History

Vienna Lager was first brewed in 1841 by Austrian brewer Anton Dreher, who basically revolutionized European beer by combining English malting techniques with lager yeast. It was a big deal.

From there, the style followed Austrian immigrants to Mexico, where it evolved into the amber lagers you know today—like Negra Modelo and Dos Equis Amber.

Ironically, while Vienna Lager faded from popularity in Europe, it found a new life in the Americas. Today, it’s quietly making a comeback stateside as craft brewers rediscover its balance and drinkability.

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What to Expect in a Vienna Lager

Color: Copper to a reddish copper

ABV: Typically 4.5%–5.5%

Flavor: Toasted malt, mild caramel, clean finish, light bitterness

Mouthfeel: Smooth and crisp—not heavy, not sweet

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Noteworthy Examples

• Negra Modelo (Mexico) – Modern Mexican take on the style
• Devils Backbone Vienna Lager (Lexington, VA) – Award-winning U.S. version
• Tröegs Sunshine Pilsner (Vienna Lager variant) – A modern hybrid take
• Samuel Adams Boston Lager – Not a true Vienna Lager, but inspired by the style

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Bottom Line

A Vienna Lager is flavor without the fuss. It’s what happens when malt takes center stage but doesn’t hog the spotlight.

If stouts and IPAs are loud and demanding, Vienna Lager is the friend who doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Smooth, balanced, and quietly confident.

It might not challenge you. It might just win you over.

So next time you see one on tap? Skip the hesitation and order it like you knew exactly what the hell it was the whole time.

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