Altbiers originated in Germany, and are most common in Düsseldorf. The beer is a German-style
brown ale although it has characteristics of both ales and lagers. The world "alt" translates to "old"
in German which means that altbier translates to "old beer". The meaning behind the term either refers to
the extended conditioning time, while others argue that the term was used to refer to the beer being brewed and drank in Düsseldorf while the rest of the world had switched to the new lager style.
Altbiers use a top fermenting ale yeast but the beer is conditioned in colder temperatures for a longer period of
time, much like a lager. The longer aging takes the edges off the beer and the result is a smoother, more mellow beer.
Altbiers range in color from amber to dark brown and have
aromas of mostly malt with some light fruit and hops. The body is usually mellow and smooth with a medium amount of
carbonation. The flavors are clean with a biscuity malt center and a hoppyness the leads to a short and dry finish.
Altbiers are usually very well balanced.
Sticke is a stronger version
of the Altbier style, and the term translates loosely to "secret" in English. Sticke beer is almost the exact
same style as the Altbier but is maltier, hoppier, and has a higher ABV.
