Uerige Sticke
Back in August of 2010 I ran across a rather unique bottle. It was skinny and tall with a resealable flip top — I was drawn to it like a moth to a glowing bug zapper. Thankfully, that Uerige Doppelsticke tasted fantastic and wasn’t just all show.
I hadn’t seen much of it since then, but recently spied the bottle on the shelves again a couple of weeks ago. I wasn’t going to purchase it, but noticed the lack of “Doppel” from the beer’s name this time around. Well, that was more than enough for me to make the purchase. If the double version of this altbier was good, that regular 6% variety should prove just as tasty, right? Yes, in deed.
Appearance
The regular Sticke pours a murky brown with a slowly falling, frothy head.
Aroma
It certainly doesn’t smell as sweet as it’s bigger brother, but this beer still smells great as hints of bready malts, a light touch of banana and a subtle, earthy bit of grassy hops come together.
Taste
Again, this beer isn’t quite as sweet or as potent as the bigger brother, but it’s the better of the two beers. The hops have a stronger presence within the beer than the nose let on. They add a subtle citrus character to the lightly sweet, bready malts as hints of caramel and subtle spices also come into play as the beer warms. It’s medium body and light crispness make for an enjoyably drinkable beer.
Overall
As much as I enjoyed the Doppelsticke for it’s sweetness and after-dinner appeal, it’s the more hop-forward little brother that wins out today. The light banana, clove and biscuity malts really come together nicely for a well balanced and smooth drinking beer. If it weren’t for the price point (which, honestly wasn’t crazy, but just enough to keep out of regular rotation), I’d be drinking much more of this beer.
Rating:4.25/5