Vienna Lager
Fair State Brewing Cooperative
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- From:
- Fair State Brewing Cooperative
- Minnesota, United States
- Style:
- Lager - Vienna
Ranked #7 - ABV:
- 5.3%
- Score:
- 90
Ranked #10,663 - Avg:
- 4.02 | pDev: 8.71%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Thursday at 01:41 AM
- Added:
- Apr 01, 2015
- Wants:
- 4
- Gots:
- 7
SCORE
90
Outstanding
90
Outstanding
Notes:
Our interpretation of the classic Vienna lager - pale amber in color, medium bodied, ever so slightly toasty from Munich and Vienna malts, complimented by a grassy noble hop nose.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3.79 by smithj4 from New York on Thursday at 01:41 AM
4.18/5 rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by defunksta from North Dakota
Appearance: Pours a clear, deep golden, slightly bronze color with a moderate white head. SRM of 10. (4.00)
Aroma: Moderate aromas of toasty and earthy bread malts. Some rustic and toasted aromas with hints of woodsy notes. (4.00)
Flavor: Moderate flavors of brown bread and smooth caramel malt. Toasty, rustic, and slightly woodsy. Only traces of pine, but not really. Finishes with a yeasty and bready flavors that is slightly spiced and drying. (4.25)
Feel: Medium-bodied. Moderate-high carbonation. Finish is smooth, but drying from the yeast. (4.25)
Compared to Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold 4/13/22: Pours a similar color. Similar aromas. Slightly more rustic and toasted bread notes. Less earthy honey and flower. Lighter bodied and dryer.
Overall: A really nice and well-made Vienna lager here. This is a style I wish I could try more. Fantastic toasted and rustic bread malt flavors, while being yeasty and dry on the finish. Lightly spiced. This one should get a nod for one of the best Minnesota Vienna lagers. (Rating: 4.18+)
Apr 13, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by defunksta from North Dakota
Appearance: Pours a clear, deep golden, slightly bronze color with a moderate white head. SRM of 10. (4.00)
Aroma: Moderate aromas of toasty and earthy bread malts. Some rustic and toasted aromas with hints of woodsy notes. (4.00)
Flavor: Moderate flavors of brown bread and smooth caramel malt. Toasty, rustic, and slightly woodsy. Only traces of pine, but not really. Finishes with a yeasty and bready flavors that is slightly spiced and drying. (4.25)
Feel: Medium-bodied. Moderate-high carbonation. Finish is smooth, but drying from the yeast. (4.25)
Compared to Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold 4/13/22: Pours a similar color. Similar aromas. Slightly more rustic and toasted bread notes. Less earthy honey and flower. Lighter bodied and dryer.
Overall: A really nice and well-made Vienna lager here. This is a style I wish I could try more. Fantastic toasted and rustic bread malt flavors, while being yeasty and dry on the finish. Lightly spiced. This one should get a nod for one of the best Minnesota Vienna lagers. (Rating: 4.18+)
Apr 13, 2022
3.93/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by gatornation from Minnesota
Pours a mostly clear golden amber color with an off white head. Smell is fruity with citrus malts baked bread.Taste has citrus caramel ,grassy hops and some dark fruits. Mouth feel has medium carbonation hoppy malty just right.
Mar 30, 2022
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by gatornation from Minnesota
Pours a mostly clear golden amber color with an off white head. Smell is fruity with citrus malts baked bread.Taste has citrus caramel ,grassy hops and some dark fruits. Mouth feel has medium carbonation hoppy malty just right.
Mar 30, 2022
4 by paulish from New York on Feb 17, 2022
4.25/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by mushroomcloud from Texas
16oz canned 3/2/21 or 3/12/21, opened 6/20/21.
2 finger off white head with excellent retention.
Orange-amber with an unfiltered look. Early, thick and clingy lacing.
Toasty, caramel maltiness and an herbal/spicy hop aroma. Very appealing.
Taste very much follows the aroma, very balanced and I enjoy the spicy/earthy hop flavors in combo with the toasty malt.
Medium body, soft mouthfeel with appropriate carbonation.
Touch of sweetness in a toasty but ultimately balanced finish.
Outstanding.
Jun 20, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by mushroomcloud from Texas
16oz canned 3/2/21 or 3/12/21, opened 6/20/21.
2 finger off white head with excellent retention.
Orange-amber with an unfiltered look. Early, thick and clingy lacing.
Toasty, caramel maltiness and an herbal/spicy hop aroma. Very appealing.
Taste very much follows the aroma, very balanced and I enjoy the spicy/earthy hop flavors in combo with the toasty malt.
Medium body, soft mouthfeel with appropriate carbonation.
Touch of sweetness in a toasty but ultimately balanced finish.
Outstanding.
Jun 20, 2021
4.07 by SicemWT from Texas on May 06, 2021
3.52 by Phoodcritic from Michigan on May 01, 2021
3.62/5 rDev -10%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by donzilake from Ohio
Light gold color. Off white head. Lace.
Malty with caramel and bready notes shining through the most. Some earthy and grassy hops.
Clean. A bit sweet. Easy drinking.
Apr 27, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by donzilake from Ohio
Light gold color. Off white head. Lace.
Malty with caramel and bready notes shining through the most. Some earthy and grassy hops.
Clean. A bit sweet. Easy drinking.
Apr 27, 2021
3.96 by Gagnonsux from Texas on Apr 14, 2021
4.1/5 rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
16oz can. Can bottom is stamped 'MAR/01/21'.
Clear, pale amber colored body. One thick finger of white head. Leaves behind twists and turns of lacing.
Aroma is toasted malts and grassy hops.
Taste follows and reinforces the notion that this brewery knows how to brew a lager beer. Toasted malts with a hint of caramel and sweetness. Bright grassy hops express a little spice.
Medium mouth feel, with a slight feel of soap. Excellent carbonation.
Bolder tasting lager, which is head and shoulders above the Mexican examples of the style. Crisp and refreshing.
Apr 01, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
16oz can. Can bottom is stamped 'MAR/01/21'.
Clear, pale amber colored body. One thick finger of white head. Leaves behind twists and turns of lacing.
Aroma is toasted malts and grassy hops.
Taste follows and reinforces the notion that this brewery knows how to brew a lager beer. Toasted malts with a hint of caramel and sweetness. Bright grassy hops express a little spice.
Medium mouth feel, with a slight feel of soap. Excellent carbonation.
Bolder tasting lager, which is head and shoulders above the Mexican examples of the style. Crisp and refreshing.
Apr 01, 2021
4.19 by LunchMoney from Minnesota on Jan 10, 2021
3.59/5 rDev -10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by tone77 from Pennsylvania
A thanks to the viceroy of Vienna lager, woodychandler, for this beer. Poured from a 16 oz. can. Has a copper color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of toasted malts, caramel. Taste is toasted malts, light hops are present, very easy drinking. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall is a solid beer.
Jul 12, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by tone77 from Pennsylvania
A thanks to the viceroy of Vienna lager, woodychandler, for this beer. Poured from a 16 oz. can. Has a copper color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of toasted malts, caramel. Taste is toasted malts, light hops are present, very easy drinking. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall is a solid beer.
Jul 12, 2020
4 by bpfrush from Wisconsin on Apr 09, 2020
4 by DMcGirr from Massachusetts on May 09, 2019
4.47/5 rDev +11.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by GoldenChaos from California
This is a great lager, taste is not too malty but toasty, and the texture is great. This is a crowd pleaser for sure.
Dec 10, 2018
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by GoldenChaos from California
This is a great lager, taste is not too malty but toasty, and the texture is great. This is a crowd pleaser for sure.
Dec 10, 2018
3.84 by UCLABrewN84 from California on Nov 16, 2018
4.01/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by GStone899 from Minnesota
Has a clear golden color with moderate lacing. A moderately deep flavor with a crispness as well. I haven't had a lot of Vienna lagers but this one is quite enjoyable. An easy drinker and a beer you could get a non craft beer drinker to enjoy. Got this 4 pack for the amazing price of $3.99. Can't beat it.
Sep 23, 2018
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by GStone899 from Minnesota
Has a clear golden color with moderate lacing. A moderately deep flavor with a crispness as well. I haven't had a lot of Vienna lagers but this one is quite enjoyable. An easy drinker and a beer you could get a non craft beer drinker to enjoy. Got this 4 pack for the amazing price of $3.99. Can't beat it.
Sep 23, 2018
3.37/5 rDev -16.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Ozzylizard from Pennsylvania
$ 4.49 (Including shipping)/16 oz can ($ 0.280/oz) from Tavour, Seattle, WA. Reviewed 9/15/18.
“06/22/18” on bottom of can. Stored at 42 degrees and served at 45 degrees in a hand washed and dried Jester King snifter.
Appearance – 3.25.
Body – More orange than amber, slight chill haze.
Head – Large (Maximum 5.5 cm, controlled pour), off-white, medium density, average retention time, diminishing to an irregular seven to eleven mm ring and a partial layer with clots of foam remaining at the edge.
Lacing – None until the level drops a couple of centimeters, then lacing forms buttes of medium to tiny bubbles appear above the thin connecting lacing band.
First pour – Light orange, clear.
Aroma – 3 – Weak and grassy with a bit of malt.
Flavor – 3.5 - Definite caramel malt flavor, slightly sweet. Ending slightly bitter but without the crispness of a true Vienna lager. No alcohol, no diacetyl, no dimethylsulfide.
Palate – 3.5 - Medium, watery, soft carbonation. Upon opening, the can foamed over.
Impression and interpretation – 3.5 – A decent take on a Vienna lager, but off in color as well as lacking the expected crispness. Definitely drinkable, just don’t expect a classic VL.
Sep 15, 2018
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Ozzylizard from Pennsylvania
$ 4.49 (Including shipping)/16 oz can ($ 0.280/oz) from Tavour, Seattle, WA. Reviewed 9/15/18.
“06/22/18” on bottom of can. Stored at 42 degrees and served at 45 degrees in a hand washed and dried Jester King snifter.
Appearance – 3.25.
Body – More orange than amber, slight chill haze.
Head – Large (Maximum 5.5 cm, controlled pour), off-white, medium density, average retention time, diminishing to an irregular seven to eleven mm ring and a partial layer with clots of foam remaining at the edge.
Lacing – None until the level drops a couple of centimeters, then lacing forms buttes of medium to tiny bubbles appear above the thin connecting lacing band.
First pour – Light orange, clear.
Aroma – 3 – Weak and grassy with a bit of malt.
Flavor – 3.5 - Definite caramel malt flavor, slightly sweet. Ending slightly bitter but without the crispness of a true Vienna lager. No alcohol, no diacetyl, no dimethylsulfide.
Palate – 3.5 - Medium, watery, soft carbonation. Upon opening, the can foamed over.
Impression and interpretation – 3.5 – A decent take on a Vienna lager, but off in color as well as lacking the expected crispness. Definitely drinkable, just don’t expect a classic VL.
Sep 15, 2018
3.91/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by smcolw from Massachusetts
Light amber color and clear. Moderate,lasting head. Good initial ring of lace. Several streaks thereafter.
The beer line may need cleaning because this beer has the minor off smell of a brewery floor. Behind this is a nice stoft pale malt base.
The flavor has a hop bitterness in the swallow which was unexpected for the style but works well. High carbonation but with a fuller body. The malt base tastes darker than the smell with dry caramel notes. The aftertaste is lightly bitter.
Sep 04, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by smcolw from Massachusetts
Light amber color and clear. Moderate,lasting head. Good initial ring of lace. Several streaks thereafter.
The beer line may need cleaning because this beer has the minor off smell of a brewery floor. Behind this is a nice stoft pale malt base.
The flavor has a hop bitterness in the swallow which was unexpected for the style but works well. High carbonation but with a fuller body. The malt base tastes darker than the smell with dry caramel notes. The aftertaste is lightly bitter.
Sep 04, 2018
3.75 by a77cj7 from South Dakota on Sep 01, 2018
3.6/5 rDev -10.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by DaveMaciolek21 from New Jersey
Deeper golden or lighter amber in color, nice malt presence places you in Viennese heaven. Very tasty, with the Noble hops providing a little bite to balance the malts. Well done!
Aug 28, 2018
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by DaveMaciolek21 from New Jersey
Deeper golden or lighter amber in color, nice malt presence places you in Viennese heaven. Very tasty, with the Noble hops providing a little bite to balance the malts. Well done!
Aug 28, 2018
3.79 by Wizzle32 from Pennsylvania on Aug 27, 2018
4.12 by hozersr from Pennsylvania on Aug 27, 2018
4.04 by Wheels2532 from Pennsylvania on Aug 27, 2018
4.1/5 rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by beergoot from Colorado
Clear and brilliant gold body; dense, creamy head. Bright caramel malt aroma; a modicum of sweetness. Some moderately roasted grain flavor; lightly charred sugar; caramel; subtle hop bitterness offsetting the malt sweetness. Heavy body; smooth and luscious; semi-sweet finish.
This is a top-notch Vienna lager, hitting all the points for the style. It has a very nice toasted grain quality, a smidgeon of sweetness, and low-key hop bitterness. A compelling lager...
Aug 24, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by beergoot from Colorado
Clear and brilliant gold body; dense, creamy head. Bright caramel malt aroma; a modicum of sweetness. Some moderately roasted grain flavor; lightly charred sugar; caramel; subtle hop bitterness offsetting the malt sweetness. Heavy body; smooth and luscious; semi-sweet finish.
This is a top-notch Vienna lager, hitting all the points for the style. It has a very nice toasted grain quality, a smidgeon of sweetness, and low-key hop bitterness. A compelling lager...
Aug 24, 2018
4.75/5 rDev +18.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by Joedonlon13 from New Jersey
This beer is an excellent drinker!
Aug 21, 2018
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by Joedonlon13 from New Jersey
This beer is an excellent drinker!
Aug 21, 2018
3.98 by Branlott42 from Missouri on Aug 17, 2018
4.06 by Grackos from Florida on Aug 16, 2018
4.5 by StormAles from Canada (ON) on Aug 14, 2018
4.57/5 rDev +13.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by whogan973 from New Jersey
Smells delicious and goes down smooth. Great beer for a summer day in the shade.
Jul 20, 2018
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by whogan973 from New Jersey
Smells delicious and goes down smooth. Great beer for a summer day in the shade.
Jul 20, 2018
4.2/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by jimmah120 from Minnesota
16oz on draft at Pub 819 in Hopkins City
Nice dark amber color to the beer. The smell is all caramel malt and honey. Taste is light and crisp without being watery. It is like what I thought Budweiser would taste like when I was younger.
I could drink this crap all day
Jul 19, 2018
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by jimmah120 from Minnesota
16oz on draft at Pub 819 in Hopkins City
Nice dark amber color to the beer. The smell is all caramel malt and honey. Taste is light and crisp without being watery. It is like what I thought Budweiser would taste like when I was younger.
I could drink this crap all day
Jul 19, 2018
4.01/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by zeff80 from Missouri
16oz can. Poured out a clear, golden amber color with a small, khaki-colored head of foam. It smelled of toasted caramel, toffee and some citrus. Roasted malt with caramel, toffee and some bitterness.
Jul 17, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by zeff80 from Missouri
16oz can. Poured out a clear, golden amber color with a small, khaki-colored head of foam. It smelled of toasted caramel, toffee and some citrus. Roasted malt with caramel, toffee and some bitterness.
Jul 17, 2018
4.34/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by FBarber from Illinois
Pours a slightly cloudy copper color. Thick pillowy off-white head dissipates steadily leaving lots of sticky lacing and a thin residual head of pillowy foam. Beer clears up as it sits and eventually is almost completely clear. Lovely looking beer.
Aroma has notes of toasted malts, a hint of dark breads, and some earthy nutty aromas. Slight earthy hops peak through.
Taste follows the nose with notes of dark bready malts, earthy nutty notes. The true mark of this beer is that it avoids the common American fault of relying on caramel or roasted malts to brew a Vienna. Nice spicy finish - likely noble hops - on the back end.
Feel is light to medium bodied. Mild carbonation with pretty dry finish.
Overall a lovely Vienna lager from Fair State - really impressed with this one and I'd happily drink this one regularly if I had access to it.
Jun 26, 2018
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by FBarber from Illinois
Pours a slightly cloudy copper color. Thick pillowy off-white head dissipates steadily leaving lots of sticky lacing and a thin residual head of pillowy foam. Beer clears up as it sits and eventually is almost completely clear. Lovely looking beer.
Aroma has notes of toasted malts, a hint of dark breads, and some earthy nutty aromas. Slight earthy hops peak through.
Taste follows the nose with notes of dark bready malts, earthy nutty notes. The true mark of this beer is that it avoids the common American fault of relying on caramel or roasted malts to brew a Vienna. Nice spicy finish - likely noble hops - on the back end.
Feel is light to medium bodied. Mild carbonation with pretty dry finish.
Overall a lovely Vienna lager from Fair State - really impressed with this one and I'd happily drink this one regularly if I had access to it.
Jun 26, 2018
4.01 by Pacioli1445 from South Dakota on Jun 12, 2018
3.77 by Jsalz21 from New Jersey on Apr 08, 2018
4.75/5 rDev +18.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by Hop_Swig from Minnesota
Excellent rendition of this style. A great one to mix in after crushing your palate with IPAs.
Mar 24, 2018
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by Hop_Swig from Minnesota
Excellent rendition of this style. A great one to mix in after crushing your palate with IPAs.
Mar 24, 2018
4.69 by hoptimum1 from Minnesota on Mar 19, 2018
3.92 by bigpoppa67 from Wisconsin on Mar 15, 2018
4.14/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Ri0 from Wisconsin
Poured 16oz can into pint glass. Color is amber wood color with 2.5 finger white foamy head with excellent retention. Leaves clumps of foam and a thick collar around the glass. Lacing lines the glass in rings. Nice toasted malts, with sweet bread and caramel with some hints of Nobel hops and faint fruitiness. Flavor is smooth malt, bread, caramel, crystallized honey, and light hops. Smooth, rich and creamy with a medium body. Delicious and balanced, this really hits the spot.
Mar 04, 2018
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Ri0 from Wisconsin
Poured 16oz can into pint glass. Color is amber wood color with 2.5 finger white foamy head with excellent retention. Leaves clumps of foam and a thick collar around the glass. Lacing lines the glass in rings. Nice toasted malts, with sweet bread and caramel with some hints of Nobel hops and faint fruitiness. Flavor is smooth malt, bread, caramel, crystallized honey, and light hops. Smooth, rich and creamy with a medium body. Delicious and balanced, this really hits the spot.
Mar 04, 2018
4.68/5 rDev +16.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by ZAP from Minnesota
L-Pours a clean, regal looking burnt orange color with a perfect off white head.
S-Nice toasted malt aroma...hints of nuts...
T-Nice clean tasting yet malty lager. Perfect level of toasted malt flavor. Light noble hop like dry finish keeps it from being too malty.
F-Clean, light side of medium bodied.
O-I'm always in search of a great lager and this is definitely one of them. Great beer. Top tier.
Jan 31, 2018
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by ZAP from Minnesota
L-Pours a clean, regal looking burnt orange color with a perfect off white head.
S-Nice toasted malt aroma...hints of nuts...
T-Nice clean tasting yet malty lager. Perfect level of toasted malt flavor. Light noble hop like dry finish keeps it from being too malty.
F-Clean, light side of medium bodied.
O-I'm always in search of a great lager and this is definitely one of them. Great beer. Top tier.
Jan 31, 2018
Vienna Lager from Fair State Brewing Cooperative
Beer rating:
90 out of
100 with
58 ratings