Westfalia
Fort Point Beer Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice deep red with a creamy tan head. Aroma is malty for sure; nuts, dark fruits, a little chocolate. The taste is sweet with a very fruity character; plum and cherry. The hops are light and herbal. The mouthfeel is light-medium and the beer finished really clean. Good.

 

I got a pack of this brewed only a month and one week ago so it is fresh. I like this brewery because they offer a Dortmunder year-round, one of my favorite styles.

Look: Pours a lovely dark reddish mahogany with a khaki head. When held to the light you get deep but bright copper hues and ruby red reflections. Ample carbonation clings to the glass.

Smell: Light aromas of pumpernickel bread, and a flash of raisin. The aroma is mild yet enticing, and as the beer warms a touch of biscuit dough comes through the aroma.

Taste: The upfront rush of malty goodness showcases flavors of raisin, pumpernickel, Medjool dates, toasted walnuts, and bitter chocolate. A smoky character weaves its way through the dominant malt flavors. Slight fruitiness from the yeast. For balance and to clean things up on the finish, there is a lemony kiss of hops at the back end.

Mouthfeel: There is a surprising amount of carbonation that helps lift the weight of the beer and adds a crisp finish. This is thanks to the beer being matured at cooler temperatures even though it is top-fermented, which is what makes it an altbier.

Overall: The chocolate malt gives it a roasty character reminiscent of the stouts that often use this malt variety. I feel like this weighs things down a little bit in terms of balance and the style. It would be better without the chocolate malt but it is still delicious and drinkable.

 

 

 

 

Reddish brown appearance. Smells a bit like piss. Medium to medium-full body, pretty pleasant carbonation. Standard red ale palate, noticeable malt and bitter. Distinguished by being a bit more smoky than most red ales, and while not overpowering in that department, it does make it a very different experience than most other reds.