Alt and Ur-Alt

[stronk]

Does anyone know the difference between an 'Ur-Alt' and an 'Alt'?

[Magnew]

From a linguistic standpoint it's "old" vs."ancient".

From a beer standpoint...I don't know.

[stronk]

Thanks; with that info, I expect the Ur-Alt is just an unconventional recipe (like our English 'old ales').

[steveh]

Originally posted by stronk
Does anyone know the difference between an 'Ur-Alt' and an 'Alt'?

Where are you getting the two distinctions - I didn't think there are 2 styles of Alt. "Ur" is the abbreviation of the German word for original, Urquell. Since the advent of cold lagering of beer for the method of clearing, some Alt (technically a top fermented beer) brewers decided to turn to that process, after or during secondary ferment, for a clearer beer - others stuck with the old methods of finishing at cellar temps. Do you suppose 'Ur-Alts' are the un-lagered style?

Hmm, I just read in the BJCP Style Guide that there is a style considered "Northern German Alt," which is basically any Alt brewed outside of Dusseldorf and some are even lagers - such as DAB Dark! Curious.

S.

http://www.mv.com/ipusers/slack/bjcp/styleguide08.html

[stronk]

That sounds like a better guess than many, I must say. The most telling test would be to compare a couple of alts and ur-alts in a single session. The palate should tell if the ur-alt is less of a lager. I'll see if I can get my hands on some and report back if I do (it'll be my first [amateur] post in the tasting notes section!).

[steveh]

Originally posted by stronk
The most telling test would be to compare a couple of alts and ur-alts in a single session.

Indeed.

I'll see if I can get my hands on some and report back if I do (it'll be my first [amateur] post in the tasting notes section!).

Wait, do you know someone who's getting paid for their reports at Tasting Notes? I want to review my contract! ;)

The link I posted (above) to the Beer Judge Certification Style Guides gives good examples of commercially available beers in the styles represented, a good start for your experiment.

S.

[stronk]

You don't get paid?! Maybe I should rethink doing the review ;)

I'll have a look around for those beers, but I have drawn a blank from my two main suppliers of unusual beers (www.pitfieldbeershop.co.uk and www.beersofeurope.co.uk).