Jürgens Rotbier
Brewery: Jürgen
Town: Ansbach
Style: Rotbier 5.4%
Color: unfiltered dark amber
Head: off-white to tan, creamy, ample
Nose: rich malt, spicy, aromatic hops
Body: medium to full
Palate: richly malty, spicy, hoppy
Finish: lingering, semi-dry, semi-bitter
Served: from a bottle given to me by the brewer
Impression: A good friend who just happens to be my main source of information on out of the way and little known Franconian breweries is also an accomplished home brewer. He brews a different beer each year for a small festival he throws near Ansbach. I’ve yet to make it to one but he very nicely brought me a bottle of his 2023 Rotbier. Due to our schedules this happened in less than optimal circumstances. These are rustic beers and best drunk sooner than later but this one brewed with four different malts (Wiener, Melandoidin, Caramel Aroma, Rauchmalz and Sauermalz) and Tango and Rottenburger Spalt hops held up surprisingly well. It poured gorgeously and certainly one of the best looking Rotbiers I’ve had. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of Rotbier as they tend to be a little sticky but this generously hopped one is anything but. In fact, it’s probably the driest example of the style I’ve encountered. It’s got great balance with the malt shinning through the impressive array of hops. The lingering finish is just dry enough with a perfect light bitterness. I just might have to make it to the next Fest!
