November 6, 2011 was a beautiful, sunny day to do some brewing. It was one of those fall days where the breeze was cool and crisp but the sun still held hints of summer.; a shorts with a long sleeved t-shirt kind of day.

I spent the afternoon brewing up a vienna lager. According to BeerAdvocate, a traditional Vienna lager is brewed using a three step decoction boiling process. Munich, Pilsner, Vienna toasted and dextrin malts are used, as well wheat in some cases. Subtle hops, crisp, with residual sweetness. Although German in origin and rare these days, some classic examples come from Mexico, such as: Dos Equis and Negra Modelo. A result of late 19th century immigrant brewers from Austria.

That little tidbit about Vienna lagers originating in German but currently represented by Mexican beers is a cool bit of trivia. Next time your buddy orders a Dos Equis (is he the most interesting man in the world?), drop a little beer knowledge his way.

Here are some photos from the brew day –