Schmaltz Alt

Last year, my second cousin Tommy was visiting from Virginia.  He and I went out for a delicious lunch at Lola's.  It was then that I learned that he had been a home brewer but  unfortunately had to stop due to health reasons.  After our lunch, we walked across the street to the B&L for a couple of pints.  On our long walk to cross Minnesota Street, he told me that his favorite Schell's beer of all time is Schmaltz Alt and B&L had it on tap.  I had never had one so I decided to give it a whirl and I’m glad I did.

Beer:  Schmaltz Alt

Brewery:  Schell's

Beer Style:  Altbier

Year:  2014

Alcohol:  5.10%

Look  Pours a very dark, chocolate brown color with light shades of ruby red.  The color can be intimidating but don’t let it be!  Big creamy head is off-white in color.  After the beer settles, the head starts to fold in on itself and begins to pull away from the glass.  Very minimal to almost no carbonation - almost like it’s flat

Smell  This is my favorite part of Schmaltz Alt.  When I put the beer up to my nose, it reminded me of the numerous brewery tours I have been on.  The scent is like you are standing right by the copper kettle.  The dominant smell is of rich, roasted malt.  You will also be able to pick up some chocolate and caramel sweetness, with a hint of coffee bitterness.

Taste  As I sipped this beer, the malt attacked my taste buds which I really enjoyed.  The malts have a deep, rich, roasted flavor.  A nice earthy taste also comes through from this beer.  After the malt and earthiness, I caught hints of some of the sweet flavors of chocolate and caramel.  I was pleasantly surprised with its somewhat bitter finish.

Overall Rating

Price:  $ out of $$$$

Rating:  5 out of 5

Schmaltz Alt is one of my top three favorite seasonal Schell's beers.  This beer has great flavor and is very drinkable.  While it looks very dark and intimidating, the mouthfeel is very light.  It almost feels like drinking a light beer.  Make sure to stop by a local liquor store or the B&L (only place I have seen in on tap) to pick some up before you can no longer find it, at least until next year.  Don't be like me and miss out on this one.  If you see it, try it!  You won't be disappointed!