Unterbacher Dröppke

I happened to live less than 2km away from this place during my stay in Düsseldorf, far closer than I was from the city centre, so I of course had to take the stroll to try their alt on tap. It shows a rather hazy dark amber body mounted by a fading off-white head. Fruity for an alt, this is almost cherry-like and the yeast breadiness almost brings it to pie-like level, but the sweetness takes a more caramelly orientation. Not quite as toasty as I like, but it develops fun nutty notes, rather almondy in character. Its fruitiness feels a bit tart in mouth, almost vinous and this interferes a bit with the hops that seemed to be pretty floral and aromatic for an alt, but now feel a bit subdued. Still, a rather wholesome, fruity alt, if not gloriously balanced.

Draught at the brewpub. Sweet malt aroma. A bit sour with a hint of diacetyl. Hazy dark brown/red colour. Small light brown head. Watery butterscotch flavour, some malt and a little aroma hops. Very fruity flavour, not what I expect from an Alt. OK beer, by no means overwhelming.

(draught at the Düsseldorf RB gathering) Hazy, amber colour with a small, slightly off-white foamy head. Moderately sweet, strong fruity aroma with a wide range of red berries to exotic fruits, accompanied with spicy hoppy notes. Medium-bitter flavour, light to medium bodied with a moderate carbonation. Initially malty, slightly toasted with a distinctive fruit-character and notes of marzipan. A bit slim but aromatic malty and herbal hoppy finish. Uncommon but pleasant Alt.

On draught at the brewpub: Amber coloured, small lacing off-white head; yeasty, malty nose with a touch of toasted malt; solid bitter-sweetish flavour; light bodied; quite dry hoppy finish. Better than many industrial conoctions......

Bottle at the Düsseldorf Gathering. Hazy, muddy body. Lightly brown, creamy head. Flowery orange aroma. Lightly bitter, lightly sweet flavour. Ok alt.