A Beer Lover's Guide To Vienna

Not just a city made for lovers of classical music, art and coffee, Vienna caters very well for devotees of Europe’s favourite alcoholic beverage. Usually sipped, spilled or downed from a glass tankard with a handle, the golden liquid is well loved by Austrians. If partial yourself, here is how to navigate yourself around the city’s best craft ale bars and breweries.

Tasting and homebrewing

For the more refined beer drinkers, Beer Store Vienna offers a sophisticated experience with the chance to sample aromatic craft beers and learn all about the art of home brewing. Hipster-ready from head to toe, with sofas on crates and white walls dressed with a wide selection of homemade creations with suitably artsy labels, the Beer Store knows its audience well. Making your own staple beer is a hobby that is becoming increasingly popular. Get expert advice on tap from these enthusiastic connoisseurs, who will help point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing the correct equipment and all the necessary ingredients. Tasting evenings are also available, enabling you to try ales from small Austrian breweries and internationally imported beers.

1516 The Brewing Company is another tip off for those fond of craft ales and home-brewed beverages. Dedicated to producing additive-free, natural recipes, this company are passionate about their products. Their menu features nearly every variety of beer under the sun; blond lager, wheat ale, shandy and an intriguing sounding liquorice-laced porter. Mel’s Craft Beer and Ale’s is another popular spot for homely tipples — a cosy joint with a menu featuring more than 80 craft beers.

Ottakringer Brewery

One of Austria’s most popular beers, Ottakringer is a well-established household name. Their brewery, located in the center of Vienna, gives you the chance to visit one of the last remaining independent firms in Austria. Guided tours show you the ins and outs of all the various stages of brewing beer — from the fermentation to the bottle capping and, of course, the opportunity for a little taste of the product itself goes without saying.