Austrian Beer: Worth The Hype?

Austrian beer is good—in fact, it's great. The country has a rich history of brewing, with the oldest existing brewery, Brauerei Hofstetten, dating back to 1229. Austrians love their beer, consuming more per capita than anyone but the Czechs. The standard style of beer is a pale lager, with 4.5% to 5% alcohol content, and the most common type is Märzen. But with one brewery for every 56,860 inhabitants, Austria has the biggest density of breweries in Europe, and they produce more than 600 different beers. So, if you're looking for a delicious drink with a long tradition, look no further than Austrian beer.

Austrian beer history

In the 19th century, Austrian beer underwent a significant change when Anton Dreher, a brewer in Schwechat, began maturing beer in a cold cellar, a process now known as lagering. This innovation contributed to the production of pale lagers, which have become the most popular beers worldwide. Dreher also created the Vienna lager by combining this process with Vienna malt and hot air kilns. Vienna lager has a complex history and is increasing in popularity.

Austria's hop production dates back to the 13th century, and while the most notable historically Austrian hop-growing region now lies outside the country's borders, Vienna malt remains popular among brewers worldwide for its subtle sweetness and pale colour.

Today, Austria boasts a vibrant and diverse beer scene, with many small breweries and a few large breweries dominating the market. The most common beer style in Austria is Märzen, a filtered lager that accounts for about 60% of the market share. Austrians consume more beer per capita than anyone else besides the Czechs, and the standard style is typically a pale lager with an alcohol content of around 4.5% to 5%.

Austria's beer culture is deeply rooted in its history, with traditional pubs and breweries offering a variety of local and craft beers. The country's brewing traditions, local hops and malt, and rich history contribute to its reputation as a first-rate beer country.

Where to drink beer in Austria

Austria is a beer paradise, with a vibrant and delicious beer scene and a rich history. So, where are some of the best places in the country to enjoy a beer?

First of all, it's worth noting that, in Austria, it's uncommon for breweries to have a monopoly on local menus. This means that most pubs will serve a variety of beers from different breweries, so you can try a range of local and regional beers in one place. The typical pubs are warm and friendly, with wooden tables and old-fashioned decor. If they serve food, expect hearty dishes like Schnitzel or Würstchen with a generous portion of potatoes on the side.

In the summer, there are plenty of beer gardens to enjoy a drink in the sun. One example is the Salzburg beer garden, which offers a beautiful setting in which to savour a cold beer.

If you're looking for specific places to drink beer, there are numerous options. Here are some suggestions:

• Bräustübl tavern and brewery in Salzburg's Mülln neighbourhood is Austria's largest brewery. It offers a 5,000 m2 indoor seating area and an additional 1,400 seats in the beer garden. The beer is served in stone jugs, drawn directly from wooden barrels, and the "Schmankerlgang" (delicatessen arcade) features food stands selling regional and traditional dishes.
• Stiegl, founded in 1492, is one of the most common beer brands in Austria. The brewery has a large museum dedicated to beer and beer-making on the outskirts of Salzburg. The tour ends with a visit to the pub for a complimentary beer.
• Ottakringer is Vienna's big local brewery, located in the working-class 16th district since 1837. It has earned a cult status over the years, particularly with its canned variant "16er-Blech" (as Ottakring is the 16th district of Vienna).
• Bevog is a well-known craft brewery based in the Styrian riverside spa town of Bad Radkersburg. It has a unique origin story, as it is owned and mostly operated by Slovenians, with the neighbouring country lying just across the River Mur.
• Brauerei Hofstetten is the oldest existing brewery in Austria, dating back to 1229. It has been producing local styles such as Märzen for generations.
• Schwechat Brewery, Anton Dreher's old place, is now owned by Brau Union (which is, in turn, owned by Heineken). It is an example of a typical Austrian brewery, brewing in the German mode with some unique touches.

So, there you have it! Austria offers a plethora of options for beer enthusiasts, from cosy pubs and scenic beer gardens to historic breweries and modern craft beer bars.

Local Austrian beer styles

Austria has a rich history of brewing and a vibrant beer scene. The country boasts over 300 breweries, producing more than 1,000 different beers.

The standard style of beer in Austria is a pale lager, typically with an alcohol content of around 4.5% to 5.2%. However, the country offers a wide variety of beer styles, including the following:

Märzen

The most popular style of Austrian beer, Märzen, is a full-bodied lager with a golden or amber colour. It has a stronger malt character than its cross-border cousin, the Bavarian Helles, resulting in a sweeter taste with notes of bread and spice. The best Märzen beers include Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln’s Märzen from Salzburg and Stiegl's Stiegl Spezial.

Vienna Lager

Vienna lagers, also known as amber lagers, are rich and big-bodied. They are traditionally served in large dimpled mugs and pair well with a cosy evening in a pub. Some of the best Vienna lagers are brewed by Hofstettner in Sankt Martin and Schwechater in Schwechat.

Zwicklbier

Zwicklbier is a style of beer that is characterised by its lack of filtration, resulting in a cloudy appearance due to the floating yeast. While some breweries brew specific Zwickl beers, it is often simply an unfiltered version of a brewery's core beer. Notable Austrian Zwickl beers include Pinzgau Bräu’s Pinzga’ Zwickl and Zillertal’s Tyroler Imperial Zwickl.

Craft Beer

Austria also has a thriving craft beer scene, with cities like Vienna and Salzburg becoming craft beer destinations. Some of the most intriguing craft breweries in the country include Alefried Bier in Graz, Bevog Brewery in Bad Radkersburg, and Bierol in Schwoich.

Craft beer and homebrewing in Austria

Austria has a vibrant craft beer scene, with a mix of well-known and up-and-coming breweries offering unique and innovative brews. Beer in Austria is an intensely local affair, with regional varieties and styles that reflect the country's rich brewing history and traditions.

One of the most well-known craft breweries in Austria is Bevog, based in the Styrian riverside spa town of Bad Radkersburg. Bevog has a unique origin story, as it is owned and mostly operated by Slovenians from the neighbouring country just across the River Mur.

Other notable craft breweries in Austria include Alefried Bier in Graz, Styria, and Bierol in Schwoich, Tyrol. These breweries are known for their creative and experimental approaches to brewing, often incorporating international styles and ingredients that aren't well-known in Austria.

Austria also has a strong homebrewing culture, with no restrictions on producing beer for personal use. Homebrewers can easily access the necessary equipment and ingredients through online shops such as BeerLovers and Holzeis.

The country's most popular beer style, Märzen, is a perfect example of how Austrian craft brewers take influence from neighbouring countries while adding their unique twist. Märzen is similar to the Bavarian Helles, but with a golden amber colour and a sweeter taste due to the use of caramel malts.

Vienna lagers, another popular style, have a complex history and are making a comeback in Austria. These beers are rich and big-bodied, perfect for cosy winter evenings in a pub. While they fell out of favour in Vienna, they gained a following among North American craft breweries, and now Austrian brewers are adapting this style to modern tastes.

Zwicklbier is another unique Austrian style, characterised by its unfiltered, cloudy appearance due to the presence of yeast. While it can be bottled, Zwicklbier is best enjoyed fresh from the tap.

With its diverse range of craft breweries, local styles, and passionate homebrewers, Austria offers a wealth of exciting and delicious beer experiences for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The most popular beer brands in Austria

Austria has a vibrant beer scene with a rich history. While Germany and the Czech Republic usually get more attention for their beer, Austria is a beer paradise in its own right.

The most common beer in Austria is Märzen, which is similar to a Vienna lager and is typically brewed with caramel malts, giving it a slightly sweeter taste and a darker golden colour.

Gösser

Gösser is a product of the Göss brewery in central Austria, which dates back to the year 1000 when a monastery was founded on the banks of the river Mur. The brewery was revived in 1860 by brewer and entrepreneur Max Kober, and this date still appears on Gösser labels today. Their most popular beers include Märzen, NaturGold, Kracherl Zitrone, and Gold.

Ottakringer

The Ottakringer brewery was founded in 1837 in Vienna. They offer a range of beers, including Ottakringer Helles, Ottakringer Wiener Original (a Vienna-style lager), and Ottakringer Citrus Radler. They also have an alcohol-free beer called Null Komma Josef. Ottakringer has earned a cult status over the years, especially among rock festival campers in Austria.

Stiegl

Stiegl is one of the most common beer brands in Austria and was founded in 1492 in Salzburg. The name, which means "little stair" or "little step", comes from the step entrance to the brewery. They brew a range of beers, including a helles (light lager), a Weissbier (Hefeweizen), and specialty beers such as a grapefruit Radler. Stiegl also has a large museum of beer and beer-making on the outskirts of Salzburg.

Zipfer

Zipfer beers are brewed with natural hops, which give them a unique taste. Their popular beers include Hell Alkoholfrei (alcohol-free), Drei, Märzen, Pils, and Doppelgold.

Edelweiss

Edelweiss is a wheat beer brewed by Hofbräu Kaltenhausen, which originated in the Hallein region near Salzburg. It is enjoyed by both Austrians and tourists visiting the region.

Egger

The Egger brewery dates back to the 17th century and is located in the St. Pölten region of Lower Austria. Their popular beers include Egger Märzenbier, a mild hoppy beer, and Egger Zitronenradler naturtrüb, a fruity citrus beer.

In addition to these well-known brands, Austria is also home to many small breweries that produce a wide variety of beer styles.

Frequently asked questions