Sticke It To The Man

O’Fallon Brewery

O’Fallon, MO

Sticke Alt beers were originally brewed in Düsseldorf, where “sticke” is local vernacular for “secret” —breweries traditionally do not reveal the recipe for these beers. Sticke It To The Man has five types of malt, with classic German hops.

ABV: 7.5

ABW: 5.97

COLOR: NA

BITTERNESS: 40

ORIGINAL GRAVITY: NA

AVAILABLE: AK, AL, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, OH, PA, TN, WI

There is a warmth that comes from the aroma of this ale, a style that is almost schizophrenic by design (drawing from characteristics of an Oktoberfest and pilsners). The warmth translates into a dark-stone fruits and candy sweetness that is a bit cloying. Different swallows bring new results, complex malt, booze, new fruits, like farm apples or ripe melon. Each accompanied by a slight hop finish.
- John Holl

If you’re missing the pun here, allow me to explain that sticke altbiers are higher-strength “secret” beers brewed in Düsseldorf twice a year. As an obvious homage, however, this copper-hued beer falls somewhat short, with a sweetish, raisiny aroma and fruity, caramelly, anise-accented flavor that tastes all too alelike for a beer style meant to combine warm fermentation with long and cool conditioning. It’s a pleasant-enough ale, just not to my mind as billed.
- Stephen Beaumont

John Holl
John is the editor of All About Beer Magazine, the host of The Beer Briefing on iHeart Radio, and the author of three books, including The American Craft Beer Cookbook. Find him on Twitter @John_Holl.

Stephen Beaumont
Co-author of both The World Atlas of Beer and The Pocket Beer Guide (with Tim Webb), Stephen travels the world sampling beer, hosting dinners and tastings, and eating too much airport food.