Traditional beers from the German town of Dusseldorf, altbiers are bitter yet balanced amber-color German ales. They begin with a sturdy yeat clean aroma of rich German malt, fruity esters and noble hops that give floral, perfumy or peppery impressions. In the taste, clean, crisp malt notes balance an assertive bitterness; some esters may show up, too. A dry or nutty finish reconfirms these brews’ bitterness. Altbiers pack a lot of flavor, but their smooth medium bodies, moderate carbonation and low alcohol (4.5% to 5.2% ABV) make them sessionable.
Pair: Pair a Dusseldorf alt with homestyle cooking—think mac and cheese, meatloaf and fried chicken. The beer’s malty side complements those dishes’ sweet cheese, meat and crispy skin, while the bitterness keeps their fat in check.