We’re thrilled to announce the release of our new Vienna Lager, a brew steeped in rich history and authentic brewing techniques. Inspired by Andreas Krennmair’s book, Vienna Lager, and our connection with local maltster Sebastian Wolfrum of Epiphany Malts, this beer promises to deliver a true taste of 19th-century Austrian brewing tradition.
A Journey Through Time: The Vienna Lager’s History
Originally hailing from Austria, the Vienna Lager has a storied past that spans continents. Despite its Austrian roots, the Vienna Lager evolved over time and became recognized as a German style. Eventually, it made its way to Mexico, where it gained popularity and continues to be a staple in many Mexican breweries. Interestingly, most commercially available Vienna Lagers in the U.S., like Dos Equis Amber and Negra Modelo, are actually Mexican interpretations of this classic style.
However, our upcoming Vienna Lager harks back to its original form. According to Krennmair’s comprehensive exploration, the true Austrian Vienna Lager is closely tied to Czech brewing techniques, characterized by the use of 100% Vienna malt, Czech Saaz hops, and a rigorous decoction mashing process.
Crafting Our Authentic Vienna Lager
In our quest for authenticity, we followed the traditional brewing methods detailed in Krennmair’s book. This journey led us to create a 19th-century Austrian Vienna Lager, a nod to the original recipes that predate the style’s German and Mexican transformations.
Sebastian Wolfrum of Epiphany Malts, our local maltster based in Durham, provided the exceptional Vienna malt that forms the backbone of our brew. This malt imparts the distinctive orange-amber hue and rich, toasty malt character that defines the Vienna Lager. Adhering to the old-world methods, we employed a double decoction mash and used Czech Saaz hops, ensuring a faithful recreation of this historic style.
The Result: A 19th-Century Austrian Vienna Lager
The result of our dedication and meticulous brewing process is a Vienna Lager that transports you back to the late 1800s. It’s a beer that celebrates tradition and pays homage to the original Austrian brewers who learned their craft from the Czechs. The complexity of flavors, the depth of the malt profile, and the subtle hop bitterness make this lager a unique and satisfying experience.
After eight weeks of lagering, the beer will be ready the second week of July. We can’t wait for you to taste the culmination of historical brewing techniques and local craftsmanship.
A Patriotic Pairing: Pre-Prohibition Lager
In addition to our Vienna Lager, we’re excited to announce the release of our Pre-Prohibition Lager, just in time for the Fourth of July. This beer is a tribute to America’s brewing heritage, featuring 100% American-grown ingredients sourced from small farmers and businesses. The malt and corn come from Riverbend Malt House in Asheville. We conducted a cereal mash with their Tennessee-grown Cumberland Corn, then blended it with Avalon barley grown in Virginia. It’s hopped with Perle hops from New York and lagered for a month. This light, refreshing lager is perfect for summer celebrations and honors the pre-Prohibition era when corn was a common ingredient.
We invite you to join us in enjoying these two distinct brews, each with its own unique story and flavor profile. Whether you’re drawn to the rich history of the Vienna Lager or the patriotic charm of the Pre-Prohibition Lager, there’s something special for every beer enthusiast.
Stay tuned for the release dates and be ready to raise a glass to history, craftsmanship, and the joy of great beer. Cheers!
