Hovels Bitterbier is a German Altbier, or old beer, from Hövels Brewery in Dortmund. Altbiers are characterised by the use of ale yeast, brewed in the lager style. An ale/lager hybrid, Altbiers tend to have characteristics of both beers – softness and a fruity character from the ale yeast, and crispness from the lager brewing process.
Flip the swing-top lid on Hovels Bitterbier to reveal a lively, ruby red beer. The caramel malt and roasted aromas are followed by a subtly sweet, malty flavour. Despite the name ‘Bitterbier’, bitterness is moderate to low, coming across in the aroma more than the flavour. Buy Hövels Bitterbier for a smooth, drinkable German Altbier.
Otto The Bier Dude –
Swingtop bottle, the colour, builds an impressive, creamy head. Malt, caramel and floral notes. Medium- to full-bodied taste is rich with a mealy, bitter aftermath. Good.
Ian McRae –
Nice beer. Lovely dark colour, plenty of body and flavour, and the aroma is good too. I’m a rather unsophisticated beer drinker, and I revolve around whether I like a beer or not. Not interested in “a hint of pomegranate”, or other descriptions, chiefly because peoples’ tastes vary. Down to nitty gritty … do I like it and would I buy it again. Yes and yes ! Four stars
Jamie Mellelieu-Hindle –
Awesome beer next best thing if you cant drink it in Dortmund
Stujago –
Has a typical altbier taste but also more of a caramel flavour than others I’ve tried. Nice and smooth. Decent.
David Gouldson –
Malty aroma and flavour with hints of caramel. Slight bitterness in the aftertaste.
David Hanson –
Refreshing if anonymous alt. Malt & caramel with bitterness in back. OK.
Milan Macurak –
Full bodied and round typical Alt-bier taste. Beautiful and fluffy foam. Shame that this speciality is not so often to get !
Kristin –
This has an initial pleasant malty taste with some sweetness, but the after taste is quite bitter and for me too much like a lager
Kris –
Interesting altbier – probably a bit more complex than some of the smoother Alts like Uerige
Elle M –
Light, crisp and does the job on a warm day. Altbiers aren’t a favourite but this is a quality beer
Matt –
Very tinny taste for me. Not good
owen collman –
Me and my dads favourite beer, started with just a trip to dortmund for the football and found the beer we both remember more than the football
Matthew W –
Clear amber brown with small off white head. Malty aroma with caramel, nuts, fairly hoppy with grassiness and spice. Taste again, a decent malt base with a bitter and spicy hop. Good.
Raymond Housley –
I have been drinking this Alt for many years when it is available. A lighter taste than some Alt Beers but still has a good body and a very specific taste, which I like. Good comments received when offered to friends especially in the flip top bottles.
Jay Sandmann –
Dark easy drinking quality bier.