Vienna Export Lager

A fuller, stronger amber lager emphasizing Vienna malt richness and smooth strength. Compared with Vienna Lager, it is more robust in body and alcohol while preserving toasted malt elegance.

Defined by higher gravity amplifying malt depth while maintaining balance.

Also known as: Vienna Export
Family: Malty Amber Beers - Smooth amber ales and lagers with gentle sweetness
Variant of Amber Lager - Within the Clean Fermentation Beers, defined by clean lager fermentation with restrained yeast expression and structural balance.
Variant influence: Raises original gravity and alcohol strength to enhance malt depth and structure compared to standard Amber Lager while preserving clean fermentation and restrained bitterness.
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ABV, IBU and colour

This section summarises the typical alcohol strength, bitterness level and colour range of Vienna Export Lager within the GBI model.

ABV: 5,6%
IBU: 21
Colour: 15,5 SRM / 30,5 EBC

Taste profile

The sensory profile below shows the typical intensity range of the 15 core flavour dimensions.

Colour:
Gold Amber
Clarity:
Clear
Aroma – Malt:
Medium High
Aroma – Hop:
Low Medium
Aroma – Yeast:
Low
Aroma – Special:
None Low
Sweetness:
Low Medium
Sourness:
None Low
Bitterness:
Low Medium
Body:
Medium
Astringency:
Low Medium
Carbonation:
Medium High
Alcohol Strength:
Medium
Finish Length:
Medium Long
Oxidation:
None Low

Structurally defined by clear malt expression, moderate body and moderate alcohol strength.

Built on elevated gravity and reinforced Vienna malt composition, integrating higher alcohol warmth within a clean lager structure. Firm, rich, and smooth with pronounced malt backbone and a longer finish, expressing depth without heaviness.

Why Vienna Export Lager tastes like it does

These structural drivers explain its characteristic flavour balance.

  • Medium toast increases toasted/melanoidin character with some sweetness and light astringency.
  • Very clean-fermenting lager profile.
  • Herbal or spicy hop character typical of traditional continental varieties.
  • Moderately hard water sharpens hop brightness and increases minerality while slightly reducing fullness.
  • Moderate boil intensity.

Style details

  • Origin: Austria — Originating from Austria.
  • Glassware: Pilsner Glass — Tall, slender pilsner glass that accentuates clarity, carbonation, and hop brightness.
    Willibecher — German-style tumbler glass used for many lagers and ales, offering balanced aroma and drinkability.
    Tumbler — Simple straight-sided tumbler commonly used for lambic, farmhouse ales, and rustic or sour styles.
  • Serving: Draft — Served on draft.
  • Conditioning: Tank Conditioned — Conditioned in stainless or lagering tank.
  • Aging vessel: Stainless — Aged or matured in stainless steel.
  • Packaging: Keg — Packaged in keg.

History

Developed as a stronger export-strength expression of Vienna lager for transport and longer keeping.

Related styles

Other variants within the same style group as Vienna Export Lager.

How Vienna Export Lager compares to other beer styles

Comparing styles highlights structural differences in aroma, balance, and intensity across the 15 GBI sensory dimensions.

Vienna Export Lager vs Vienna Lager

  • much deeper colour
  • longer finish
  • fuller body
  • stronger alcohol impression

Placed next to Vienna Lager, Vienna Export Lager reads as a markedly different expression. Visually, it appears darker in colour. On the palate, it presents a longer finish and a fuller body and a stronger alcohol impression.

Vienna Export Lager vs Märzen

  • deeper colour
  • longer finish
  • lighter body
  • stronger alcohol impression

Vienna Export Lager represents a distinctly different expression compared to Märzen. Visually, it appears darker in colour. On the palate, it presents a longer finish and a leaner body and a stronger alcohol impression.

Compare Vienna Export Lager with:

Compare with another style

Select another beer style to see how it compares to Vienna Export Lager.

Best food pairings for Vienna Export Lager

These food pairings complement the dominant sensory traits of Vienna Export Lager.

  • Roast pork
  • Sausages
  • Richer malt-forward dishes

Service & Aging

Practical guidance for serving and handling Vienna Export Lager.

Serving notes

  • Serve cool to showcase malt richness and smooth alcohol

Pouring technique

  • Smooth, moderate pour

Aging potential

  • Short-term aging (up to 6 months) possible
  • Not suited for extended cellaring

Common faults

  • Hot alcohol
  • Excessive sweetness
  • Oxidation

Commercial examples of Vienna Export Lager

The following commercial examples illustrate widely recognised expressions of Vienna Export Lager in the market.

  • Ottakringer Wiener Export
  • Schwechater Wiener Lager

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