Have you ever found yourself reaching for “just a beer,” without a specific style in mind, yet still hoping for something satisfying and authentic? It’s a common scenario for many beer enthusiasts, especially when exploring the vast world of craft brews. As Scott and Jeff from French Hawes Beer Reviews demonstrate in the video above, sometimes the simplest request can lead to discovering a wonderfully unassuming gem, like the Altbier from Notch Brewing Company.
Their review of this Dusseldorf-style German ale offers a glimpse into a classic, yet often overlooked, beer category. While many are familiar with lagers or the more recent surge of New England IPAs, the Altbier provides a refreshing counterpoint—a traditional ale that prioritizes balance, cleanliness, and drinkability. This article delves deeper into what makes Altbier a distinctive and enjoyable choice, expanding on the nuances briefly touched upon in the review.
Understanding Altbier: A German Ale with History
The term “Altbier” literally translates to “old beer,” signifying its adherence to older, traditional brewing methods compared to the more recently developed lagers. Originating from Dusseldorf, Germany, this style is a top-fermented ale, which is unique given Germany’s strong association with bottom-fermented lagers. Altbiers are known for their clean, crisp profile, often mistaken for lagers due to a cold conditioning period after fermentation, which smooths out the ale characteristics.
Historically, brewers in Dusseldorf resisted the shift to lagers, preserving their unique ale tradition. This dedication to ancestral techniques has allowed the **Altbier** style to maintain its integrity through centuries. It stands as a testament to the diversity of German brewing, proving that not all great German beers are lagers, as popular belief might suggest.
The Brewing Craft of Dusseldorf Altbier
As mentioned in the video, Notch Brewing’s Altbier is described as “single-decocted, open-fermented.” These terms hint at the traditional craftsmanship involved in creating a true Dusseldorf Altbier:
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Decoction Mashing: This traditional mashing technique involves removing a portion of the mash, boiling it, and then returning it to the main mash. This process can be repeated (single, double, or triple decoction) to achieve specific temperature rests, enhancing malt flavors and creating a rich, complex character. It contributes significantly to the Altbier’s signature malty depth without being overly sweet or bready, a characteristic highlighted by Scott when he noted it’s “not biscuity or bready like…” but definitely “malty.”
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Open Fermentation: While less common today, open fermentation involves fermenting beer in shallow, open vessels rather than sealed tanks. This method allows more contact with the air, which can influence yeast behavior and flavor profiles, potentially adding subtle fruity esters or preventing the build-up of certain off-flavors. It’s an older technique that many traditional breweries still employ for specific styles, including some Altbiers, contributing to their unique historical authenticity.
These methods, while more labor-intensive, are crucial for developing the characteristic flavors and mouthfeel of an authentic German Altbier. They help create a beer that is both robust and remarkably clean, a balance that distinguishes it from many other ales.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect from an Altbier
The hosts’ observations perfectly capture the essence of Notch Brewing’s Altbier. When approaching an **Altbier**, several sensory elements typically stand out:
Appearance: Crystal Clear Amber
Jeff and Scott quickly noted the Altbier’s “nice and clear” amber coloring. This is a hallmark of the style. Altbiers typically present a beautiful, brilliant copper to deep amber hue, often with reddish tints. The clarity is paramount, achieved through careful brewing and conditioning. A persistent, off-white to cream-colored head is also characteristic, contributing to its inviting presentation, which the reviewers observed as “bright white, a little off-white.”
Aroma: Subtle and Clean
Upon nosing the beer, the reviewers found a surprisingly subtle aroma. Jeff initially described it as “smells like a water,” while Scott picked up on a “floral thing” and “little sweet malt.” This understated aroma is typical for Altbiers. Dominant notes usually include moderate malt sweetness, sometimes with a caramel or toffee nuance, balanced by a hint of floral or herbal hop character. The overall impression should be clean and inviting, not overpowering, which aligns with the hosts’ experience.
Taste and Mouthfeel: Clean, Malty, and Crisp
The true character of an Altbier shines in its taste. The hosts immediately recognized its clean, malty profile. Scott described it as “clean, malty, crisp, refreshing,” sentiments echoed by Jeff. This specific Notch Brewing Altbier reminded them of a Marzen or Oktoberfest style, indicating a balanced malty sweetness with a dry finish, rather than a heavy or cloying sweetness. This clean finish makes it exceptionally drinkable, often described as a “table beer” that you can enjoy without fatigue.
The bitterness in an Altbier is typically moderate, providing balance to the malt without dominating the palate. The mouthfeel is generally medium-bodied, smooth, and, as the reviewers noted, distinctly “crisp.” This combination of flavors and texture makes the **Altbier** a versatile and highly enjoyable beverage, whether you are seeking a sessionable brew or something with a bit more character than a typical light lager.
The Untappd Perspective: Scores and Expectations
The discussion around the Untappd scores offers interesting insights into beer preferences. Jeff scored the Notch Altbier a 3.75, and Scott gave it a 3.7, leading to an average of 3.73 for French Hawes Beer Reviews. Tom from Uxbridge Liquors, a friend on Untappd, rated it significantly higher at 4.25. Furthermore, Scott expressed surprise that the “global average” of 302 other users was “quite higher than I expected,” as he initially anticipated a score around 3.6.
This discrepancy highlights a common trend in the craft beer world: the dominance of certain styles. Scott theorized that “most people who are checking in beers on Untappd are drinking New England IPAs.” This observation reflects how specific, often bolder, styles can sometimes overshadow traditional, more nuanced beers in popular ratings. However, the higher-than-expected global average for the **Altbier** suggests a growing appreciation for classic styles among a segment of the beer-drinking community, even if they aren’t the “juice bombs” or “haze for one day” preferred by some.
Why Try an Altbier?
In a market saturated with intensely hopped IPAs and thick, dessert-like stouts, an Altbier offers a return to elegant simplicity. It’s a beer that doesn’t scream for attention but rather invites thoughtful appreciation. For those exploring beyond their usual go-to styles, a German Altbier like Notch Brewing’s is an excellent starting point.
It provides a bridge between the familiarity of a clean lager and the complexities of an ale, showcasing how traditional brewing can yield a beer that is both approachable and deeply satisfying. If you’re looking for a reliably clean, malty, and crisp beer that truly epitomizes a well-crafted brew, consider picking up an **Altbier** on your next visit to a local brewery or liquor store.
Brewing Up Answers: Your Notch Altbier Q&A
What is Altbier?
Altbier is a traditional German ale originating from Dusseldorf. It’s known for its clean, crisp taste and is often mistaken for a lager due to its cold conditioning period.
Where does Altbier come from?
Altbier originated in Dusseldorf, Germany. Brewers there historically preserved this unique ale tradition, resisting the shift to more modern lagers.
What does Altbier taste like?
Altbier is characterized by a clean, malty, and crisp taste. It offers a balanced sweetness with moderate bitterness and a refreshing, dry finish, making it very drinkable.
Is Altbier an ale or a lager?
Altbier is an ale, specifically a top-fermented beer. However, it undergoes a cold conditioning period after fermentation, which gives it a smooth, clean profile often associated with lagers.
Why is it called ‘Altbier’?
The term ‘Altbier’ literally translates to ‘old beer’ in German. This name signifies its adherence to older, traditional brewing methods that predate the widespread development of lagers.
