When Ryan Wibby read the scores from
Wine Enthusiast’s most recent lager tests, he thought the number alongside Wibby Brewing’s Volksbier Vienna was simply its entry identification. “I was very confused when we got the results back, because it said 100, he recalls.
Turns out it was the rating. Volksbier Vienna, along with Heater Allen Pils from Heater Allen Brewing in McMinnville, Oregon, had snagged the first-ever 100-point rating from the respected magazine (and yes,
Wine Enthusiastrates beers as well as wine). With a luxurious mouthfeel that slowly brings on layers of nuts, warmed caramel and a subtle spiciness from noble hops, this Vienna lager is of remarkable quality,” the magazine wrote. “Often beers in this category are too sweet, but here the recipe brings bitterness into the equation for balance. Still, it finishes dry, with only a touch of light brown sugar on the finish.”