Ingredient Insight: Summit Brewing Co. Düsselfdorf style is a taste of european tradition

Summit Brewing Co. announced the release of Sticke Alt: Düsselfdorf Style Ale. Sticke Alt, a maltier and hoppier version of a traditional Altbier, is commonly offered in secret in Düsselfdorf, Germany each year and passed around by word of mouth to the brewer’s loyal patrons. A mysterious concoction of hops and malts, it is never brewed the same way twice. Brewer Mike Lundell’s Sticke Alt has a light hoppy nose, a solid malt backbone, and a slightly sweet, but crisp and mellow finish.

Although inspired by Summit’s much-loved Altbier of years ago, this Sticke Alt is decidedly different. Utilizing German hops, Czech and German malts, and an authentic Alt yeast strain, this ale is a stronger and darker brew than a traditional Altbier. The beer ferments at a cooler temperature than an English Ale and for an extended period of time, producing a malty beer with a clean finish.

“I’ve become known for my hoppier Unchained beers, like India Rye Ale and Another IPA, but this time I wanted to change things up and explore my maltier side,” said Brewer Mike Lundell. The 20th beer in the limited release Unchained Series will be available on draught and in 12oz bottle 6-packs the second week of October. The Unchained Series, which saw its first batch in 2009, allows each of Summit’s individual brewers to showcase their creativity by allowing them to break free from the norm and create their own beer.

“We’re fortunate to have nine phenomenal brewers at Summit,” said Mark Stutrud, founder and president of Summit Brewing Co. “The Unchained Series is a way for our brewers to showcase their artistry. There are no budgetary restraints, no outside influences from a sales team, and the brewers are free to collect ingredients from anywhere in the world. As long as it’s legal, they have complete autonomy.”