American brewery Harpoon has an employee beer trip that can result in a one-time bottled beer brewed by them. Recently, they brewed a Sticke Alt. The label on the bottle features some German locations: Koln, Dusseldorf, Bottrop, Munster, and Oelde. Dusseldorf is circled. I'm assuming that these were the locations of their recent beer trip and they decided to brew a Sticke Alt as a result. The inclusion of Koln and Dusseldorf is obvious, but I was wondering if there are any specific beers, beer styles, or beer traditions associated with Bottrop, Munster or Oelde. Thanks.
Oh, Münster has several, most importantly though: Münster Alt. Totally different to Düsseldorfer Alt: Pale, with lactic acid and a very long lagering period. Currently, the only brewery making it in larger quantities as a regular beer is Brauerei Pinkus with Pinkus Original Münster Alt(which, funnily enough, is categorized as a Düsseldorfer Alt here- total bollocks). I personally absolutely adore this beer. It is exported to the US, isn't it? You can get it in pretty much every other Bio market in germany.. The other Münster pale Alt is a newer one, by Gruthaus, never had it though. Gruthaus makes also a modern Interpretation of a Grut, which is a traditional spiced beer which is also linked to the city.. Bottrop though-mainly known historically for bigger Pils breweries, Westfalia and such.. And Oelde-well it is home to Pott's Brauerei,which make a very decent "Landbier"... But out of those three, Münster sure is my favorite beer city.
Thanks Lurchus. It's funny, I knew of Munster Alt, but incorrectly(?) assumed that it was more of a historical beer - meaning that it's barely produced today. I remember having the Pinkus Alt here in the US a long time ago. I remember not liking it, but I honestly do not remember why. Your post makes me question if the bottle that I had was sour and I wrongfully attributed this to it being very old. Come to think of it, it might have been paler than what I was expecting too. I don't remember well enough, but I know I was expecting something like a Dusseldorf Alt when I had it.
I think that's the problem with the beer as well-expectations. First time I tried it, I expected something like a Kölsch, i mean long cold lagering time etc, but no it is also quite different frome one , heavier, a bit sour, not so light, and very unusual. I am surprised how often this is overlooked, since it is widely aviable. Though it surely is not to everyone's taste.
It's been many a year, but I do remember fondly the "Altbierbowle" at Pinkus. Chunks of fruit as well as syrup -- a nice sweet counterpoint to the slight tartness of the beer. Wouldn't want one every day, though
