• 9. GERMAN AMBER LAGER

    9A. Oktoberfest/Maerzen

    Aroma:

    German (Vienna or Munich) malt aroma. A light toasted malt aroma may be present. No fruitiness, diacetyl, or hop aroma.

    Appearance:

    Dark gold to reddish amber color. Bright clarity, with solid foam stand.

    Flavor:

    Distinctive and complex maltiness may include a toasted aspect. Hop bitterness is moderate, and hop flavor is low to none. Balance is toward malt, though the finish is not sweet.

    Mouthfeel:

    Medium body, with a creamy texture and medium carbonation.

    Overall Impression:

    Smooth and rather rich, with a depth of malt character. This is one of the classic malty styles, with a maltiness that is often described as soft, complex, and elegant but never cloying.

    History:

    Origin is credited to Gabriel Sedlmyer, based on an adaptation of the Vienna style developed by Anton Dreher around 1840, shortly after lager yeast was first isolated. Typically brewed in the spring, signaling the end of the traditional brewing season and stored in cold caves or cellars during the warm summer months. Served in autumn amidst traditional celebrations.

    Ingredients:

    German Vienna malt (slightly lighter than Munich malt) should be the backbone (if not entirety) of the grain bill, with some Munich malt and possibly some crystal malt. All malt should derive from the finest quality two-row barley. Continental hops, especially noble varieties, are most authentic. Somewhat alkaline water (up to 300 PPM), with significant carbonate content is welcome.

    Vital Statistics:

    OG: 1.050-1.064

    IBUs: 20-30 FG: 1.012-1.016

    SRM: 7-14 ABV: 4.8-6.5%

    Commercial Examples:

    Spaten Ur-Maerzen, Ayinger Oktoberfest-Maerzen, Paulaner Oktoberfest, Wuerzburger Oktoberfest, Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest.

    9B. Vienna Lager

    Aroma:

    Dark German (Vienna or Munich) malt aroma. A light toasted malt aroma may be present. Similar, though less intense than Oktoberfest.

    Appearance:

    Reddish amber to light brown color. Bright clarity and solid foam stand.

    Flavor:

    Soft, elegant malt complexity is in the forefront, with a firm enough hop presence to provide a balanced finish. Some toasted character from the use of Vienna malt.

    Mouthfeel:

    Light to medium body, with a gentle creaminess. Medium carbonation.

    Overall Impression:

    Characterized by soft, elegant maltiness that dries out in the finish to avoid becoming overly sweet.

    History/Comments:

    The original amber lager developed by Anton Dreher shortly after the isolation of lager yeast. Nearly extinct in its area of origin. The style owes much of its character to the method of malting (Vienna malt). Lighter overall than Oktoberfest, yet still decidedly balanced toward malt.

    Ingredients:

    Vienna malt provides a lightly toasty and complex, melanoidin-rich malt profile. As with Oktoberfests, only the finest quality malt should be used, along with Continental hops (preferably noble varieties). Moderately hard, carbonate-rich water.

    Vital Statistics:

    OG: 1.046-1.052

    IBUs: 18-30 FG: 1.010-1.014

    SRM: 8-12 ABV: 4.6-5.5%

    Commercial Examples:

    Negra Modelo, Portland Lager, 150 Jahre, Augsburger Red, Leinenkugel Red.