Viennese beers - more than just a mixture of hops and malt
Beer and Vienna - that is an inseparable couple. The golden sparkling hop drink has been enjoyed here for centuries. At the same time, Vienna is one of the only cities where beer is not only drunk, but also brewed at the same time. When it comes to beer, there is a lot to discover in Vienna and even more to taste. In this blog article you will find out which Viennese beers you absolutely have to try, how the Viennese call their beers colloquially and why Viennese beers are more than just a hops-malt mixture.
The most popular Viennese beers
The most famous Viennese beers are certainly Ottakringer and Siebensternbräu.
The Ottakringer brewery is the oldest brewery in Vienna and was opened in 1837 under the name Planksche brewery. It is located in Vienna's 16th district (Ottakring) and employs around 180 people.
About 427.000 hectoliters of Viennese beer are brewed every year and there are over 15 types of Viennese beer. In addition to the Viennese beer classics such as dark/light beer, Pils and Zwickel, you will also find some exotics on the drinks menu from the range of our own creative brewery. Sunbeam, Hellberry and Native Tongue are 3 to name a few.
The Siebensternbräu was founded in 1994. It takes its name from the Siebenstern district in which it is centrally located. There is a manageable but very delicious selection of fresh Viennese beers. Only water from Vienna is used for the brewing process and all Viennese beers are natural. In addition to the Viennese beer classics, you will find a selection of rarities such as chilli beer or hemp beer.
Insider tip: The beautiful guest garden is a real highlight. Here you can try all the different types of Viennese beer in a traditional atmosphere. If you have less time, you can also get your Viennese beer to go from the machine right at the entrance and enjoy it on the go.
Viennese beers brewed in small breweries
In addition to the top dogs mentioned above, small home breweries are also making a name for themselves. We would now like to introduce you to two notable Viennese beer producers.
The “Rodauner Biermanufaktur” has been a home brewer since the mid-1990s and is located in Liesing (23rd district). In the beginning, Viennese beers were brewed in large cooking pots with a volume of around 20 liters a few times a year.
After brewing in the cellar in Rodaun and developing other very personal recipes, the owner started the Rodauner beer factory in 2016. In addition to the excellent taste, there is a particularly creative naming of the Viennese beers. The Viennese lager is called, for example, "Strizzi", the smoked ale "Gselchter" and the Viennese special beer "Gigerl".
The Viennese beers can be tried in various restaurants/bars or at the Naschmarkt.
Let's come to the second noteworthy microbrewery.
The “Belgier” is real Belgian beer brewed in Vienna - for us a real "Wien mal anders" - beer. The history of Viennese beer began in 2009 when a Belgian fell in love with the city of Vienna. His initial hobby quickly developed into an extensive passion. Many experiments were carried out until today's end product - "the Belgier".
These Viennese beers can also be tasted both in the online shop and in various restaurants and bars.
Insider tip: For everyone who wants something more or is looking for a special gift - with our Viennese beer tasting experience - from "Strizzi to Belgier" you will learn everything about the Viennese beers and their differences during a tasting guided by a local beer expert.
Viennese beers in dialect
16er-Blech At the Viennese sausage stand, people like to hear Viennese orders like: "A purulent, an Bugl and a 16er-Blech". Which means something like: "A Käsekrainer, a piece of bread and a can of Ottakringer beer". 16 stands for the 16th district of Vienna (Ottakring) and tin for the can material.
Fun fact: From 2007, the Ottakringer company had a canned beer brand called "16er Blech" in its range for a few years.
Hüsn Hüsn means something like beer can. People like to hear this term in the sentence – “Heast Oida, reib ma a hüsn uma.” for “My friend, can you please pass me a beer can.”
Hansl The last sip in the beer glass is called "Hansl" in Viennese. Usually the Hansl is already warm, stale and not particularly popular.
More slang terms for beers in Vienna:
- Pfiff - an eighth of beer
- Seidl - 0.3 liters of beer
- Krügerl - 0.5 liters of beer
Conclusion: Whether light or dark, with chili or with cherry, from the machine, in the restaurant or at a tasting - Viennese beers have a lot to offer and can become a true "Wien mal anders” experience.