Kickin' Alt Style

The style of the day: altbier! I have here Detroit Brewing Company’ The Detroit Dwarf Altbier “The Legendary Nain Rouge German Style Amber.” Alt means old in German. It is Germany’s answer to the brown ale. It is conditioned longer than usual for an ale begetting a smooth fruitiness.
Appearance: I am serving cold in my Strongbow tumbler. It pours a drak auburn with a thick sticky head. It is a pretty full-bodied looking beer.
Smell: lots of brown bread, some light caramel, and dark fruits.
Taste: more brown bread, hints walnuts and roasted pecans, and a good piney hop presence. Similar to an American brown ale but not as nutty. I like the hops in the finish. The breadiness is the main show, which is just fine with me. It leaves a sweet slickness on the lips.
Not bad at all. A nice rendition of the style you certainly do not see very often. I would say the only other Alt I can think of in ABC land is Widmer Brother’s Okto Festival Ale. Sam Adams had their Longshot series Derf’s Secret Alt from the winners of their home brewing contest. I had that one and it was delicious. You will find Detroit’s at every ABC.