Brewed centuries ago by monks and nuns, this copper-colored, full-bodied ale has a proud and unbroken brewing tradition dating back to the beginning of civilization. Horst Dornbusch sheds light on the practices of commercial altbier makers, how the equipment and ingredients used affect its flavor, and how this full-bodied brew became one of Germany's most beloved beer styles. Recipes are included!

Brewers Publications' Classic Beer Style Series is devoted to offering in-depth information on world-class beer styles by exploring their history, flavor profiles, brewing methods, recipes, and ingredients.

Brewed centuries ago by monks and nuns, this copper-colored, full-bodied ale has a proud and unbroken brewing tradition dating back to the beginning of civilization. Horst Dornbusch sheds light on the practices of commercial altbier makers, how the equipment and ingredients used affect its flavor, and how this full-bodied brew became one of Germany's most beloved beer styles. Recipes are included!

Brewers Publications' Classic Beer Style Series is devoted to offering in-depth information on world-class beer styles by exploring their history, flavor profiles, brewing methods, recipes, and ingredients.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: Altbier throughout History

Chapter 2: Altbier profile

Chapter 3: Altbier Ingredients

Grain

Water

Hops

Yeast

Chapter 4: Altbier Equipment for the Homebrewer

Home Mash Tun

Home Lauter Tun with Recirculation

Home Whirlpool

Home Heat Exchanger

Home Fermentation and Lagering Equipment

Home Filter

Chapter 5: Altbier Brewing Methods

Composing Your Grain Bill

Mashing

Boiling

Hopping

Adding Flavor and Aroma Hops

Clarifying the Wort

Aerating the Cooled Wort

Fermenting

Lagering

Filtering

Conditioning and Packaging

Chapter 6: Recipe Guidelines

Appendix A: Commercial Alt Examples

Appendix B: Malting German Grain

Appendix C: Mash pH and Water Hardness

Appendix E: Calculating Your Grain Bill for Beer Color

Appendix F: Calculating Your Bittering Hops Addition

Appendix G: Unit Conversion Chart

Glossary

References and Further Reading

Index

About the Author