There’s a unique pleasure in stumbling upon a beer that defies expectations, a true classic in a world often chasing the latest trend. Imagine pouring a glass of something familiar, yet distinctly different, and realizing it’s a style you hadn’t fully appreciated before. It’s like finding a hidden gem in a bustling city. That’s often the experience with traditional European styles, especially when crafted with care by American breweries. The French Hawes Beer Reviews crew recently delved into just such a beer, Notch Brewing’s Altbier, a classic Dusseldorf-style German ale that sparks both appreciation and an interesting debate about its place in the modern craft beer landscape. As they mentioned in the video, this particular brew offers a refreshing dive into a style that predates many contemporary favorites, providing a crisp, clean experience worth exploring.
Unveiling the Altbier Style: A Glimpse into German Brewing
The Altbier, as reviewed from Notch Brewing Company out of Salem, Massachusetts, represents a venerable German brewing tradition. “Alt” literally means “old” in German, referring to the traditional brewing methods that predate the widespread adoption of lager yeasts. Historically, Altbier hails specifically from Dusseldorf, a region fiercely proud of its unique ale. This style is not merely an old beer; it’s a testament to enduring craftsmanship, blending the robust flavors of an ale with the crisp finish often associated with lagers.
Notch Brewing’s approach to their Altbier, featuring a “single decocted, open fermented ale,” speaks volumes about their commitment to authenticity. Decoction mashing, a complex technique where a portion of the mash is removed, boiled, and returned, enhances malt depth and color, contributing to the beer’s rich character. Open fermentation, while less common today, allows for unique yeast expression and contributes to a clean, crisp finish, helping to define the genuine **Altbier style**. These traditional methods are crucial in developing the distinct profile that beer enthusiasts cherish.
Aroma and Appearance: What to Expect from a Dusseldorf Altbier
When pouring an Altbier, the visual experience is often the first delight. The Notch Altbier, as noted in the review, presents a “nice amber coloring,” a “crystal clear amber” that shimmers in the light. This clarity is a hallmark of a well-made Altbier, a result of careful brewing and conditioning. Imagine holding up your glass, seeing light pass through with perfect definition, reflecting a subtle reddish-copper hue. The head, described as “bright white, a little off-white,” provides a creamy cap that lingers, promising a delightful sensory journey.
Approaching the glass, the Altbier’s aroma is often subtle yet inviting. The hosts identified a “floral thing” that wasn’t “biscuity or bready,” but rather a “little sweet malt.” This delicate balance is characteristic of the style. You might detect whispers of caramel, toasted bread, or even a slight nuttiness, all underpinned by a clean, noble hop character. It’s a sophisticated bouquet, hinting at the complexity within without being overly assertive. The subdued aroma ensures the palate remains fresh for the first sip, perfectly setting the stage.
Tasting Notes: The Crisp, Malty Heart of the Altbier
The true essence of an Altbier reveals itself on the palate. The Notch Altbier elicited immediate approval from the reviewers, who highlighted its “clean, malty, crisp, refreshing” qualities. This combination of attributes perfectly encapsulates the style. It offers a firm malty backbone, often with notes of caramel or toasted bread, balanced by a pronounced but not overwhelming hop bitterness that keeps it from being cloying. The finish is remarkably clean and dry, making it an incredibly drinkable beer.
Imagine enjoying a beer that delivers flavor without heaviness, a beverage that invites another sip almost immediately. The “table beer” descriptor used by one reviewer is particularly apt; an Altbier is designed for sessionability and enjoyment in multiple servings. It’s a beer that satisfies without demanding too much attention, perfect for a casual evening or a social gathering. This balance is a delicate art, especially in the context of traditional German brewing, where precision and subtlety are highly valued in every **Altbier style** creation.
Altbier vs. Marzen: A Friendly Debate on German Styles
An interesting point of discussion in the review centered on the Altbier’s resemblance to an Oktoberfest or Marzen style beer. One reviewer even stated, “this is like should be an Oktoberfest style beer,” while the other noted, “It reminds me of like a Marzen.” While Altbier is distinctly an ale and Marzen is a lager, both share a malty character and often a similar amber hue. Marzens are typically richer, sweeter, and more full-bodied, often brewed to a higher gravity, whereas Altbiers, despite their malt presence, are generally drier and crisper, with a more pronounced hop presence in the finish.
This comparison highlights a common thread among traditional German beers: a focus on malt character and drinkability. However, the brewing process—ale yeast at warmer temperatures for Altbier, lager yeast at colder temperatures for Marzen—results in fundamentally different beers. The clean finish of the Altbier, despite its malty beginnings, sets it apart, making it arguably even more “refreshing” and “clean” than some Marzens. The Notch Brewing Altbier clearly made a strong impression, with one reviewer even preferring it over a Marzen, a testament to its exceptional quality within the **Altbier style** category.
The Untappd Landscape: Traditional Styles in a Trendy World
The discussion inevitably veered towards Untappd ratings and the broader craft beer scene. The hosts’ initial scores for the Altbier were 3.75 and 3.7, averaging 3.73, while their friend Tom from Uxbridge Liquors gave it a generous 4.25. Surprisingly, the global Untappd average from 302 other check-ins was a robust 3.89, which Scott admitted was “quite higher than I expected.” He anticipated a score closer to 3.6, primarily because “most people who are checking in beers on Untappd are drinking New England IPAs.”
This observation touches on a prevalent trend: the immense popularity of hazy, juicy IPAs often overshadows traditional styles like the **Altbier style**. Imagine browsing Untappd, seeing a sea of “juice bombs” and “haze for days,” and then encountering a classic, clear, amber ale. It’s easy for such a beer to get lost or, as speculated, potentially scored lower by those whose palates are calibrated for extreme hop profiles and tropical fruit notes. However, the higher-than-expected global average for Notch’s Altbier suggests a strong appreciation among a significant portion of the Untappd community who still value well-crafted, traditional beers. It signals that quality and classicism can still hold their own against the tide of novelty.
Still Thirsty? Your Altbier & Notch Brewing Questions Answered
What is an Altbier?
An Altbier is a traditional German ale, originating from Dusseldorf, Germany. Its name ‘Alt’ means ‘old,’ referring to older brewing methods that combine robust ale flavors with a crisp finish.
What does an Altbier usually look like?
An Altbier typically has a crystal clear, nice amber coloring with a subtle reddish-copper hue. It often forms a bright white, creamy head that lingers on top.
What does an Altbier usually smell like?
Altbiers usually have a subtle and inviting aroma, often described as floral with a hint of sweet malt. You might also notice whispers of caramel, toasted bread, or a slight nuttiness.
How would you describe the taste of an Altbier?
Altbiers are known for being clean, malty, crisp, and refreshing. They have a firm malty backbone with notes like caramel or toasted bread, balanced by a clean, dry finish.
