Alt, in the context of beer, refers to a traditional German beer style that is top-fermented rather than bottom-fermented like lagers. The word “Alt” itself means “old” in German, and it pays homage to the region in Germany where this style originated and continues to be produced.
In Germany, the predominant beer style is lager, which is known for its crisp and clean taste. However, in the region of Düsseldorf, located in western Germany, there has always been a rebellious streak when it comes to brewing. Instead of following the lagering trend, the brewers in this region continued to produce ales using top-fermenting yeast strains.
The Alt style is characterized by its rich maltiness, assertive hop bitterness, and a subtle fruitiness from the yeast. The use of top-fermenting yeast gives Alt beers a distinct flavor profile that sets them apart from lagers. The yeast ferments at warmer temperatures, which allows for the development of more complex flavors and aromas.
One of the unique aspects of Alt beers is the brewing process. Unlike most other beer styles, Alt undergoes a process called “cold conditioning” or “lagering,” where the beer is stored at near-freezing temperatures for an extended period of time. This helps to smooth out any harsh flavors and allows the beer to mellow and mature. The result is a well-balanced and highly drinkable beer.
In the United States, many craft breweries have embraced the Alt style and have put their own spin on it. American brewers celebrate the ale revolution beautifully by producing Alt beers that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. These beers often feature unique ingredients, hop varieties, or barrel aging techniques to add another layer of complexity to the traditional Alt style.
Personally, I have always been intrigued by the Alt style and have enjoyed exploring different versions of it from both German and American breweries. The malt-forward character, combined with the assertive hop bitterness, creates a beer that is both satisfying and refreshing. I find that Alt beers pair exceptionally well with hearty dishes such as sausages, stews, or grilled meats.
Alt beer is a traditional German beer style that deviates from the lagering trend by being top-fermented. The word “Alt” means “old” in German and pays homage to the rebellious region of Düsseldorf. Alt beers are characterized by their rich maltiness, assertive hop bitterness, and subtle fruitiness. They undergo a cold conditioning process to mellow and mature, resulting in a well-balanced and highly drinkable beer. American brewers have embraced this style and put their own creative twist on it, further celebrating the ale revolution.