German-Style Altbier
German Origin Ale · Brewers Association 2025
- OG
- 1.044 – 1.052
- FG
- 1.008 – 1.014
- ABV
- 4.6 – 5.6 %
- IBU
- 25 – 52
- Color
- 11 – 19 SRM
- CO₂
- – –
Notes
The Altbier style is originally from the Dusseldorf area. The overall impression is clean, crisp and flavorful with a dry finish.
Color
Copper to dark brown
Clarity
Clear to slightly hazy. Chill haze should not be present
Malt aroma & flavor
A variety of malts contributes to medium-low to medium malt aroma and flavor. Toast aroma typical of Munich malts should be present. Slight nuttiness is acceptable. Roast malt character should be present at low levels and well-integrated with the overall malt profile. Smoke character should not be present.
Hop aroma & flavor
Low to medium with hop flavor more perceptible than aroma, with attributes typical of traditional German noble hops.
Bitterness
Medium to high, producing a clean dry finish.
Fermentation character
Fruity esters are absent to low, with attributes expressed subtly as citrus, pear, dark cherry or plum. A slight sulfur aroma is acceptable. Diacetyl should not be present.
Body
Medium-low to medium.
Brew to this style
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Style guideline data is the work of its respective publishers, reproduced here for reference: BJCP · Brewers Association · Norbrygg · SHBF · Danske Øldommere.