Many cities in Germany and around the world have their own beer tradition, which is associated with a particular style. In the cathedral city of Bamberg, people drink smoked beer, which tastes like smoked ham. In Dublin, the pitch-black Guinness reigns supreme with its creamy, hazelnut-brown foam and strong roasted notes. In Berlin, you can find the crisp, sour Berliner Weisse on every corner, while in Munich, people turn to the classic Bavarian wheat beer when they get thirsty for beer. And in Düsseldorf, the beer of choice is Alt.
Altbier is actually drunk all over Westphalia and along the Lower Rhine, but the best-known Altbier breweries are in Düsseldorf. There are various theories about the name of the classic, but they don't really matter because Alt becomes "Aal" in the Düsseldorf dialect anyway. It is not known exactly when Altbier has been around, but the Bolten brewery in Korschenbroich in North Rhine-Westphalia says it has been brewing Altbier since 1266. This makes Bolten the oldest Altbier brewery in the world and means that Altbier probably existed in the Middle Ages. Stylistically, Altbier is a top-fermented brew that is fermented at the lowest possible temperature. The specialty borrows its strong, dark color from roasted malts. The malts also give it its smooth, round taste. A touch of hops provides balance and skilfully compensates for the robust fullness. One of the best-known Altbier breweries is the Schlösser brewery. Although the beer is now brewed in Dortmund, the good taste of Schlösser Alt has not changed.
The original Düsseldorf brewery goes back to the Schlösser family, who earned their living with a bakery. In 1873 they bought a property in Düsseldorf's old town and opened the Schlösser inn brewery. The company was family-run until the trials and tribulations of the First World War meant that the private brewery had to be converted into a GmbH. Under the protection of various companies, the brewery recovered from the First World War and was successfully rebuilt after the widespread destruction in the Second World War. The motivation that carried the team through all the ups and downs was and is their Altbier. Schlösser Alt is a fresh brew with a wonderful flavor. Selected barley malt, aromatic hops and the brewery's own yeast cultures form a flavor profile that has delighted for more than 150 years with its full-bodied graininess, delicate bitterness, tart hop notes and a hint of fruit.
Brauerei Schlösser GmbH
Ratinger Straße 25
40213 Düsseldorf
Deutschland 
