AHS Altbier
AHS Altbier
(5 gallons/19 L, extract with grains)
OG = 1.052 FG = 1.013
IBU = 30 SRM= 16 ABV = 5.0%
Ingredients
12 oz. (336 grams) Caramunich I malt
4 oz. (112 grams) German chocolate malt
4 lbs. (1.8 kg) Munich liquid malt extract
2 lbs. (0.9 kg) Pilsen liquid malt extract
1 lb. (0.45 kg) wheat liquid malt extract
1 oz. (28 grams) Perle hops (60 min.)
0.5 oz. (14 grams) Spalt hops (15 min.)
0.5 oz. (14 grams) Spalt hops (5 min.)
1 tsp. Irish Moss or one Whirlfloc tablet (15 min.)
Use one of the following yeasts based on your preference: Wyeast 1007 (German Ale), White Labs WLP029 (German Ale/Kölsch) or White Labs WLP036 (Düsseldorf Alt)
Step by step
Place the grains in a grain bag and steep in 155 ºF (68 ºC) water for15 minutes. Remove the bag and allow to drain, then discard the grains. Bring water to boil, turn off heat and add the extracts, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a boil and add 1 oz. (28 grams) Perle bittering hops. After 45 minutes add 1/2 oz. (14 grams) Spalt hops for flavor and the Irish moss or a Whirlfloc tablet.
After 55 minutes have elapsed, add 1/2 oz. (14 grams) Spalt hops for aroma.
Wyeast 1007 (German Ale) yeast will ferment at temperatures as low as 55 ºF (13 ºC), producing an exceptionally clean beer normally only found with lagers.
White Labs WLP029 (German Ale/Kölsch) ferments down to 62 ºF (17 ºC), finishes clean and brings out hop flavors. For a sweeter finish with less hop flavor try WLP036 (Düsseldorf Alt).
After primary fermentation is complete, drop the temperature down to 32–40 ºF (0–4 ºC) and cold condition for 2–6 weeks. Bottle or keg with a goal of medium-high carbonation and enjoy!
Written by BYO Staff
"A genuine altbier is a difficult to find style outside of Northern Germany. For most homebrewers, making their own is a more attractive option than airfare. One way of looking at this style is that altbier is the opposite of steam beer. While steam beers are lagers fermented at ale temperatures, an altbier is most often an ale fermented at low temperatures and then cold conditioned like a lager."
– Jeff Schultz
Austin Homebrew Supply — Austin, Texas
