Dusseldorf Altbier

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Dusseldorf Altbier is a malty pale beer from the city of Dusseldorf. Altbier is also called "old beer". Altbier uses a top fermenting ale yeast at ale temperature, but then is cold-aged. This refers to the "Old" method before lagers became popular.

History

Altbier is, as it name implies, an old beer and in fact is one of the older surviving styles in Germany. Before the popularity of lagers, ales were widely brewed in Germany. Dusseldorf Altbier is a popular and excellent example of these older beers.

Description

Light to medium body. Dry, clean and bittersweet. Low hop flavor and aroma. Medium bitterness. Some fruitiness. Medium to high maltiness. Color is bronze to brown. Low diacetyl. Moderate-high carbonation.


Characteristics

  • Color Range: 13.0-17.0 SRM
  • Original Gravity Range: 1.046-1.054 SG
  • Final Gravity Range: 1.010-1.015 SG
  • Bitterness Range: 35.0-50.0 IBU
  • Alcohol by Volume Range: 4.5-5.2 %
  • Carbonation Range: 2.1-3.1 vols
  • BJCP Style Number: 7 C

Ingredients

  • German Munich malt with small amounts of crystal, chocolate or black malt. Occasionally some wheat. Spalt hops or other noble German hop. High attenuation ale yeast, but cold aged.

Examples

  • Schumacher, Im Fuchshen, Zum Schlussel, Diebels Alt, Frankenheim Alt, Widmer Ur-Alt

See Also