Frankenheim Alt
No ratings yet — be the first to log it.
Tasting Notes
The aroma is malt-forward with light caramel and a subtle earthiness from noble hops. On the palate, it delivers a clean, bready malt character with restrained bitterness — balanced rather than bold, with just enough hop presence to keep things tidy. The body is medium-light, smooth from the warm fermentation and cold conditioning that define the style. The finish is dry and moderately bitter, fading cleanly without lingering sweetness.
About the Brewery
Frankenheim is a Düsseldorf-based brewery with roots going back to 1873, making it one of the established names in the city's tight-knit Altbier scene. Düsseldorf is the spiritual home of Altbier, and Frankenheim is one of the handful of traditional breweries — alongside Schumacher, Uerige, and Füchschen — that have kept the style anchored to its regional identity. Their Alt is widely distributed in the Düsseldorf area and is a common presence on tap at local pubs and in grocery stores throughout the region.
Food Pairings
The malt-driven, moderately bitter character of an Altbier works well with a range of straightforward, savory foods. Bratwurst or grilled pork sausages are a natural match because the malt sweetness complements the fat without competing. Roasted chicken pairs cleanly because the beer's dryness cuts through the skin without overwhelming the meat. A sharp aged gouda finds common ground with the caramel malt notes. Rye bread with mustard and charcuterie also works well, as the earthy bitterness echoes the grain character of the bread.
Style Guide
Altbier — German for 'old beer' — is a top-fermented ale that undergoes cold conditioning, bridging the gap between traditional ale brewing and the lager-like smoothness that cold-lagering produces. It originated in Düsseldorf and the surrounding Rhine region of Germany, where it predates lager dominance and remains a point of fierce local pride. Compared to a brown ale, Altbier is drier, more bitter, and more restrained in sweetness; compared to a Kölsch, it carries deeper malt color, more body, and a firmer hop bitterness. ABV typically runs between 4.5% and 5.5%.