Altbier

What is Altbier?

Altbier translates to "old beer" in German. It’s a traditional German beer known for its brownish colour and balanced malt and hop profile. Altbier is considered a hybrid because it’s brewed with top-fermenting yeast like an ale but then lagered at cool temperatures. 

Altbier’s taste profile includes hints of light fruitiness, malty breadiness, and spicy notes from the hops.

Origin Story

Historically brewed in Düsseldorf and its surrounding areas, altbier is a very old and conservative beer style. While German breweries began transitioning to cold-fermented yeast in the 15th century, altbier producers remained loyal to top-fermenting (i.e. ale) yeast.

Even as neighbouring regions such as Cologne started making light-coloured ales (kölsch), altbier remained true to its original dark hue.

The term "alt", meaning "old", refers to the old brewing style prevalent before the emergence of cold-fermented lager beers. The modern altbier acquired its name only in the 1800s when this Düsseldorf original became threatened by the lighter lagers from Bavaria.

Even today, altbier remains popular, especially in the Düsseldorf region, where it’s a symbol of local pride. The rivalry between regions producing altbier and kölsch continues to this day.