Old Nation Vienna Lager 4Pk

Old Nation Vienna Lager 4Pk is a traditional Vienna-style lager brewed by Old Nation Brewing Co. in Michigan, sold as a 4-pack at 5.0% ABV. Widely praised on BeerAdvocate with scores reaching as high as 4.58 out of 5, this lager stands out for its faithful rendition of Vienna malt character — a rarity among American craft interpretations of the style.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  IBU: 17  |  Origin: Michigan, USA  |  Style: Vienna Lager  |  Brewery: Old Nation Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Old Nation Brewing Co. operates out of Williamston, Michigan, and has earned a devoted following for its meticulous approach to classic beer styles. This Vienna Lager is brewed with Vienna malt as the backbone and hopped exclusively with Hallertauer Hersbrucker, a noble German hop variety known for its mild floral and herbal qualities. The beer undergoes cold bottom fermentation followed by an extended lagering period, adhering to the traditional methods that define the Vienna Lager style rather than taking shortcuts common in many craft brewery versions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Brown bread and toasted biscuit arrive first, followed by a light floral hop presence from the Hallertauer Hersbrucker. There is a pleasant earthiness underneath that keeps the nose grounded and inviting.

Taste: The palate opens with toasted biscuit and brown bread, transitioning into caramel malts and brown sugar at mid-palate. Light floral hops weave through without overpowering the malt, and a gentle, well-balanced bitterness emerges at the peak — enough to provide structure without competing with the grain character.

Finish: Medium-bodied with medium carbonation and a creamy mouthfeel that carries into a soft, dry close. The toasted malt lingers quietly, leaving a clean and refreshing impression without any harsh aftertaste.

How to Drink Old Nation Vienna Lager

This lager drinks best slightly chilled, around 45–50°F, to let the malt complexity come forward without muting the delicate hop character. A standard pint glass or a Vienna-style flute both work well to concentrate the bread-forward aromas. For those who enjoy beer cocktails, the Vienna Lager's biscuity profile makes it a natural fit in a Michelada, where the malt sweetness plays against lime and hot sauce; in a Shandy, blended with fresh lemonade for a lighter warm-weather drink; or in a Black and Tan, floated beneath a stout to provide a toasty, caramel-rich base layer.

Best For

• Introducing a craft beer drinker to traditional European lager styles
• Pairing with grilled sausages or burgers at a backyard cookout
• Transitioning from macro lagers to malt-forward craft beer
• Stocking a fall or Oktoberfest-themed gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Nation Vienna Lager taste like? It delivers a malt-driven profile of toasted biscuit, brown bread, caramel, and brown sugar, balanced by mild floral hop bitterness and a clean, dry finish. The overall impression is smooth, earthy, and well-balanced at 17 IBU.

How does Old Nation Vienna Lager compare to other American craft Vienna lagers? Reviewers consistently describe it as a "classic and traditional example of the style" with "spot on Vienna malt character," suggesting it hews closer to the original Austrian template than many American craft versions that lean toward amber ale territory. Its restrained 17 IBU and exclusive use of Hallertauer Hersbrucker hops reinforce that Old World approach.

Is Old Nation Vienna Lager good for beginners? Yes — at 5.0% ABV with approachable malt sweetness and very low bitterness, it serves as an excellent gateway into craft lager for drinkers accustomed to lighter styles.

Where is Old Nation Vienna Lager made? It is brewed by Old Nation Brewing Co. in Williamston, Michigan, a brewery located east of Lansing in the central part of the state.

What foods pair well with Old Nation Vienna Lager? Bratwurst and other grilled sausages complement the toasted malt beautifully. Roasted chicken works well because the beer's carbonation cuts through the richness. Soft pretzels with mustard echo the bready grain notes. Mild cheeses like Gouda or Havarti match the beer's gentle sweetness. Pork schnitzel pairs naturally given the style's Austrian heritage.

What sizes does Old Nation Vienna Lager come in? It is sold as a 4-pack, which is the standard retail format available from Old Nation Brewing Co.

Is Old Nation Vienna Lager worth the price? It positions as a craft 4-pack in the accessible everyday drinking tier, and given its high BeerAdvocate ratings and faithful execution of a style that many breweries oversimplify, it represents strong value for anyone seeking an authentic Vienna Lager.

Why Old Nation Vienna Lager?

What separates this beer from the crowded American craft lager field is Old Nation's commitment to doing the style correctly rather than reinventing it. The use of proper Vienna malt as the grain bill foundation, Hallertauer Hersbrucker as the sole hop, and a genuine cold-lagering fermentation process results in a beer that reviewers call a textbook example of the Vienna Lager category. With BeerAdvocate scores climbing as high as 4.58 out of 5 and consistent praise for its balance and craftsmanship, this is a lager that earns respect by honoring tradition rather than chasing trends.