Beer pick of the week: Pinkus Organic Munster Alt

Pinkus Organic Munster Alt

Brauerie Pinkus Muller

Munster, GER

5.1% ABV

“Alt” means “old” in German, and this beer is brewed in the old style of an ale, before lagers became the standard in Germany. Like lagers, however, alt biers are cold-conditioned for extended periods to produce a clean, crisp taste. Pinkus’ organic version of an alt is golden in color and rather lighter in body that others of the same style. There’s a hint of apple tartness in the flavor, along with light, grainy malts and citrusy, grassy hops. The peppery spice and tang of yeast suggest a saison, the rustic French-Belgian farmhouse ales made not too far from the Dusseldorf region where alts are most popular. This refreshing ale would make a fine alternative to a wheat beer on a hot summer evening.

(photo by Jeff Holland)