Adambier

Overall Impression A malty, strong ale with a rather neutral fermentation profile. Bready, toasty and biscuity with a very mild roastiness and a malty balance, but never cloying or syrupy. 

Aroma

Medium high bredy, toasty, biscuity, caramelly aroma, with possible hints of dark chocolate and dried fruits. Very low fruity esters (apple). No overtly roasted, burnt or smoky aromas. May have a subtle vinous aroma. 

Appearance

Brown to dark brown. Not black. Tan head, well formed. It displays uniform, tight bubbles, with excellent retention. Clear. 

Flavour

Malty and sweet with low bitterness. Barely noticeable German noble hops (herbal, floral, spicy). Complex malty aftertaste of medium high intensity: bready, biscuity, caramelly, nutty. Low dark chocolate and dried fruits. Low fruity esters (apple). No overtly roasted or burnt flavors. No sourness. May have a vinous aftertaste

Mouthfeel

Medium-full body, medium carbonation, no astringency, no creaminess.

Comments

This description refers to contemporary Adambier, not to a philologically accurate recipe. Wood aged sour and smoked examples are not described here.

History

The style probably originated in Dortmund in the late Medieval age and was certainly very different from nowadays brews. Probably it was a strong, dark, hoppy ale, with a smoky and sour profile and could be aged in wood. This thick, malty, alcoholic brew aged well. Brewing tradition was still alive in the 1960s, but eventually died out. Adambier was revived in recent years both in the US and Germany, under very different interpretations.

Characteristic Ingredients

Historical recordings show use of wheat, roasted and caramel malts.

Style Comparison

It may resemble an Altbier brewed at Doppelbock strength, but malt profile is similar to an English Porter without perceptible hops.

Vital Statistics IBUs 35 – 50 SRM 11 – 17 OG         1.070 – 1.095 FG         1.012 – 1.023 ABV 7.5 – 11.0%

Commercial Examples

Brauerei Bergmann Adambier

Contributor

Daniele Cogliati, Angelo Ruggiero

Additional Sources

Maltose Falcons (website), Historic German and Austrian Beers for the Homebrewer (book)