New England Series: Long Trail Double Bag

Every since I started homebrewing, I have wanted to brew a German altbier. I came across a recipe, and it sounded like everything I was looking for in beer with its sweet malt profile and balanced, crisp bitterness. The problem with altbiers is that they require a period of fermentation at very low, lager-like temperatures, despite (usually) being brewed with ale yeast. There was no way for me to get a fermenter down to the temperatures needed, so I unfortunately was never able brew an altbier. So whenever I see a bottled altbier in the store or on tap at the pub, I never hesitate to partake to remind myself what exactly it is I am missing out on.

While at the store, I came across an altbier made by a brewery that I am no stranger to. Long Trail Brewing Company in Bridgewater Corners, Vermont is about as old as I am and have prided themselves on creating quality craft beer while keeping in account the importance of environmental sustainability. For example, they send all their spent grains from the brewing process to local dairy farms for food and use the thermal energy from steam to heat water for the next brew day, which saves a significant amount of propane.

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Long Trail Double Bag is described as a double altbier, or strong ale, that is referred to in Germany as "stickebier," which loosely translates to "secret brew." Double Bag pours copper in color with a very slight tint of red. A very creamy head dissipated rather quickly, but left a good amount of lacing. Sweet, almost caramel-like aromas were very prominent with some hints of fruit and alcohol. The first sip was filled with lots of malt sweetness with notes of caramel and a subtle breadiness. There was also a roasty, almost chocolaty, quality present as well that gave it a bit more depth. An earthy bitterness comes through and lasts through the finish, which creates a bit of a bite with the alcohol flavors. For 7.2% ABV, this beer is very, very drinkable with its light body and a slightly dry finish keeping you wanting more.

If I Double Bag was sold in my part of Colorado, I have a feeling it would quickly become my go-to six pack. It has a wonderfully complex malt profile that is balanced perfectly with a bitterness so as to off set the sweetness a bit. This only strengthens my urge to brew an altbier. One day...