King Old German Style Ale
King Brewery

On tap at C'est What, into a pint glass. Listed on the menu as the "King Alt-bier," but I'm confident this is the same beer released at Volo's Cask Days under the moniker of "Old German Style Ale."

Poured a deep red, bordering on mahogany at times, leaving excellent lacing and a thick film of retention. Lots of caramel (tons!) and dark breads in the nose, some hop notes as well. Slightly grassy, but fairly indiscriminate overall. A bit of brown sugar as well. Taste is further dominated by caramel, brown sugar and darker breads again. Slightly earthy, grassy and modestly spicy hop notes. Medium heavy body, with a carbonation that's just above medium. Fairly rich and malty, quite a nice, malt-forward altbier. This should certainly be produced more often, and bottling this would be a fantastic addition to their lineup.

Pint at The Only, pours an amber infused dark brown, hints of ruby and a thin head that recedes to a light cover.

Nose is sweet and malty, hints of a light rustic earthiness and raisins, a touch of something floral. Malt forward entry with sweet toffee and a hint of honey from a flowery meadow, followed by a distinct bitterness with German hops, pretty hefty for style. Round mouthfeel, drying finish. Not perhaps a classic alt as I think of it, lacking some of the malt complexity and mineral character I sometimes get from the yeast, but a really tasty quaff, very moreish. Packed with flavor in sessional package. King knows German beer, this is no exception.