Dusseldorf Altbier
Redwood Curtain Brewing Company

I hope this is the right German pils I tried, dark amber colored pilsner with a rich taste.

On nitro tap at the brewery's taproom in Arkata, California.

Appearance. Copper-brown colored body with a near creamy beige head.

This seems to be a bold, relatively hoppy version of the style, but I rarely find this style.

served from a crowler that sat around a little longer than it should have, so probably not the best expression of this one, but i didnt find it to be as compelling as some of the other reviewers here, it sweet, even for the style, and has a funny aftertaste that really lingers, something from the yeast there, perhaps all a product of it being a little older now, and it has all the makings of being solid, but it just seems a little disjointed to me. the pour is gorgeous, deep amber red color with some body for its low abv and a really active and high rising tan head, wispy and lasting in the glass. aroma of red apple, apple cider, and brown sugar, immediately sweet to me, with a classic german yeast strain underneath, and weird notes of pencil lead and burnt toast. the flavor starts fine, fruity for the style, baked and warming, long cooked and autumnal, more apple, toffee, and biscuit for me, but then the yeast comes in all funny, sharp for a second, not sour or anything but tannic and estery and strange, uncommon for the style, and it lingers minerals and to me pencil shavings, bitter and earthy but in an unflattering way. i obviously need to try this when its fresher, as i have loved other beers i have has from these guys before, but time seems to have taken a bit of a toll on this. still full bodied and frothy and feels right on the palate, but the finish is what throws me. giving it the benefit of the doubt for now that its me not them on this one...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Draft service into a snifter glass at Redwood Curtain Brewery in Arcata.

A: Clear, dark amber color with one finger of persistent parchment-tinted foam head. Moderate lacing remains on the glass.

S: Toasted rye bread provides the basis for this beer's smell, while mild herbaceous hops are suggestive of wild mustard stems.

T: Begins barely off-dry, with hearty toasted malts that even taste slightly scorched, and clove-like spice. The middle exhibits mild floral flavors as sweetness increases slightly. The finish is astringently bitter, tea-like.

M: Medium viscosity, balanced and slightly piquant on the palate, with moderate carbonation.

D/O: An interesting and well-crafted example of the little-seen alt style. There is a lot going on, which subtracts somewhat from its drinkability. After a while the palate throbs from the spiciness which is of indeterminate origin.