Arbor Brewing says:
“A very drinkable dark ale. Smooth, malty and well-balanced; dry without being too bitter, and full-flavored without being too heavy. Very subtle smoky hints.”
Arbor Brewing Olde Number 22 Alt Bier
Altbier, 5% ABV
Sayeth the Guys
Ryan: For a bit of background, an Altbier is the German’s version of a brown ale; a well-balanced blend of malt and hops. A Sticke Alt is a stronger version of the Altbier and is steeped in history. According to the German Beer Institute the beer is only tapped twice a year, in January and October, and was actually discovered on accident. “The origin of the Sticke, according to local lore, dates from a time when beer ingredients were still measured rather haphazardly by the bucketful. If the brewmaster made a “mistake” and mashed in too generous an amount of malt, he also had to add an extra dose of hops for balance. The finished beer from such a batch would be a strong and substantial beverage.”
I have had one other Sticke Alt. It was from the Uerige brewpub in Dusseldorf, which just so happened to make the above mistake and create the style. So how does Arbor Brewing’s version stack up?
Olde Number 22 poured dark brown to black with a barely noticeable head. The nose is full of roasted malts and just a light hint of coffee.
The coffee is more pronounced at first sip. Bitter, roasted malts and coffee dominate initially. The coffee lingers and some grassy hops hit the palate and stay through the finish. I usually don’t comment much on this, unless it is warranted, but the carbonation on this beer is just phenomenal and really enhances the flavors.
I won’t even try to compare this to the Uerige Sticke Alt because, well, it just wouldn’t be fair. What I will say, though, is that this is a solid offering from Arbor Brewing and I would gladly grab a six pack of it. Lots of flavor with a low ABV.