Altbier Also Known As:   Alt, Düsseldorfer Alt Altbier is a dark ale. It is consumed primarily in Düsseldorf and North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen).        Photo: © Deutscher Brauer-Bund      Classification:  Vollbier Type of Beer:  Ale Alcohol Content:  4.8% Extract Value:  11.5% IBU:  50 Region:  Mainly in Düsseldorf and North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen), but available throughout Germany Well Known Brands Uerige Beer Characteristics Strong hops aroma. Copper-colored. Firm creamy head (foam). Medium bodied and a dry finish. Serving Suggestions For optimal taste, serve chilled (46-50° F / 8-10° C) and in a traditional tall, straight-sided, 0.2 liter (6.75 fl oz) glass. Altbier goes well with pork, roasted chicken, salmon, as well as Gouda and Camembert cheese. History Altbier is an ancient ale (all beers were ales before lagers were invented in Bavaria in the 16th century). Originally, it was known simply as "Beer" (Bier). However, in the 1800's it became officially known as "Altbier" and earned its distinction as a modern beer style. The name Altbier is derived from the Latin "altus," meaning top, refering to the beer's top-fermentation.  Additional Information Altbier is similar to the Kölsch.