Kitzmann Fränkisches Rotbier
Kitzmann Bräu

I've just moved to Erlangen, near Nürnberg in Germany. The "Rotbier" ("Red beer") is a locally claimed beer, that, according to the Nürnberg city website, competes with Belgium as being the origin of the style. "German Rotbier" was not an option on the Beer Advocate site, so I selected "Flanders Red Ale," as, supposedly, it's its cousin beer.

Enjoyed from a half liter bottle, which I bought directly from the nice shop at the Kitzmann brewery in Erlangen.

The beer pours a pretty, light reddish brown. Similar on the eye to a German Märzen, but a bit lighter. Thin head dissipates quickly.

On the nose, a pleasant gentle malty sweetness. Bit of European skunk. Some fruit, tangerine or prune.

Light mouth feel. Taste is a gentle malt, balanced by definite hop bite. Finishes drier than it starts. Some hay on the end of the sip. Aftertaste has got a bit of skunk. Balanced, lighter beer. Not too unlike many Amer-British red ales I've tried. Perhaps a bit lighter, a bit bitier.

All in all, a straight-shooting beer that won't be disappointing and won't be sending anyone writing home. Would, and will, definitely drink again. Enough flavor to have with food and talk about; light enough to knock a few back. A good beer. 3.75.