Austrian beer appeared as long as Czech and German. Despite the fact that beer from this country is exported “with great creak”, it is definitely worth a try, especially if there is a chance to visit Austria. There, on the spot, there is a unique opportunity to personally figure out which beer is the most delicious.
The big eight
Of course, not everyone has the opportunity to fly to Austria for a beer. But there is a way out of this situation. In the Russian market, Austrian beer brands are represented by the G8 (Brau Union). This organization was founded in 1921 and is the largest group of beer companies. Almost all Austrian beer that is located outside the country belongs to this group. Of course, it smacks of a monopoly, but it just so happened. As soon as a company begins to boast of its success, it is immediately outbid by the G8.
At the moment, there are eight companies in the group, and the Austrian brewing development policy depends on them. They represent her in the international market.
Why is it better to buy Austrian beer in his homeland?
Few foam drink lovers have pampered themselves with a bottle of Gosser or Zipfer. It is so interesting to know why the vaunted Austrian drink is better than the Russian one.
Oddly enough, many remain disappointed, realizing that advertising is greatly exaggerating. This is a regular quality beer. No identity and color there and does not smell. It seems that the Austrians, Czechs and Germans produce according to one averaged pattern. This feeling is very close to the truth.
For the G8, the main thing is profit, which is why they act on the principle of all large companies. It is important for them to satisfy a small group of consumers oriented to a certain taste, in their interests to reach as many customers as possible. Ordinary unassuming beer sells better than a frothy drink with a certain twist.
Why Brau Union rules the ball
There are a lot of small breweries in Austria. Just think about it, for every 55 people there is one beer farm. Almost all of them work on the domestic market, since export costs are prohibitive. Only the Big Eight and another couple of medium-sized manufacturers are capable of such expenses.
Famous brands
There are about one hundred and fifty breweries in this country. This means that there are countless Austrian beers. Naturally, there are leaders among them. It is clear that hardly anyone succeeded in trying them all. But the most prominent representatives know every fan of the hoppy drink. To decide which beer is the most delicious, it is worth trying the following varieties.
Beer Gosser
This drink is one of the most famous and popular in the whole world. The line of about ten names of Austrian beer. Moreover, in the manufacture of several positions, the classic recipe of the Middle Ages is used. But not all foam lovers will appreciate such a drink. After all, his taste is far from the modern camp.
The most popular Gosser species among Austrians is Märzen. This light beer has impeccable foam and a wonderful refreshing taste.
The drink with the name Gold of this brand has a beautiful golden color. Alcohol in it is 5.5%. It pleases its fans with an exquisite dry taste.
Spezial is also one of the most popular varieties. Its strength is 5.7%. This drink will appeal to those who value bread notes the most in beer.
Stiftsbrau is a classic dark beer. The taste is pronounced caramel and coffee tones.
Bock is very reminiscent of seasonal German heavy beer. To some, it may seem unnecessarily alcoholic. But real experts will definitely appreciate it.
Ottakringer beer
This brewery opened in 1837. Its first owner was Heinrich Plank. But the name this brand received from the second owners - the Kuffner brothers.
At the moment, this brewing company is considered one of the largest in Austria. There are several excellent beer positions in the line. Spezial is released by Christmas, Bockbier by Easter. Rabler is a light drink, and Zwickl is a cask. There is still an exquisite Pils.
But the highlight of the line is the Ottakringer Helles lager. Its strength is 5.2%, and the density of the initial wort is 11%. His recipe contains the best brewing traditions.
This drink has gorgeous snow-white foam. The most interesting, judging by the reviews, is that banana notes are unexpectedly found in the aroma. At the same time, hop bitterness is pronounced in the taste.
Beer Zipfer
This manufacturer belongs to the true Austrian. The company appeared in 1858, its founder was Mr. Schaup.
The products of this brewery have both fans and ardent opponents. The brand leaves no one indifferent. Zipfer beer has its own characteristics, it has a bright, nothing like character.
The specialists of this brewery have developed and implemented a special technology for filtering beer. Another feature of this manufacturer is that the ripening of the drink occurs after bottling in the cellars of the plant.
Tara also has its own unique style. The drink is sold both in bottles and in five-liter barrels.
Most of the range is filtered and unfiltered varieties of lager. There is also a bottom fermented beer. The assortment of this manufacturer is quite wide.
Beer Stiegl
This drink appeared back in 1492. Austrian beer Stigel is still produced in Salzburg. This is one of the few large companies that still remains independent from large transnational alcohol corporations.
This Austrian beer is produced according to an old recipe, and only the best ingredients are selected. For the manufacture of using pure artesian water, barley malt, hops and brewer's yeast. One caveat: the company grows yeast on its own.
The most famous position in the manufacturer's line is Stiegl Goldbrau. This drink has a strength of 4.9%, and the extract of the initial wort is 12%.
This beer has a pleasant, fresh malt flavor. Judging by the reviews, bright grain nuances stand out in a refreshing taste. The finish is unobtrusive - with a barely noticeable bitterness and grassy note.
Beer Eggenberg
This brewery was founded in the 10th century. That is, this enterprise is one of the oldest in Europe. The line of the company is quite diverse, and each position has its ardent fans.
A huge assortment of Austrian beer beckons to visit this wonderful country and walk through its pubs. The main thing is not to overdo it, because beer is also alcohol.