Altstadt Lager

German Helles Exportbier | Year-Round | United States

By Nelson Crowle

Judges Rating: 84
Aroma: 19
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 35
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 17

With the style described as ‘Premium German Lager’, the closest BJCP2015 style sounds like German Helles Exportbier (style 5C), so evaluated it as such (and after evaluating, this still seems like the closest style). Pours a very clear yellowish deep straw color with a small head of tiny white bubbles that quickly fades to a ring. Overall light in aroma with a balance of bread dough, slight grainy, medium low floral, and hints of white pepper, with a background corn note. The flavor brings more DMS/corn grits character, with a low note of fresh baked bread, and light floral hints with background black pepper, with the hop bittering and malt nicely balanced into an off-dry but slightly malty finish. Medium light body and fairly low carbonation make this beer crushable, but the corn/DMS notes are higher and a bit out of balance, but still quite tasty. This beer, in large quantities, would go great with German sausages – try it with bratwurst, and add on some spicy mustard and a handful of finely chopped sweet red onions.