Brauerei Zum Uerige
Düsseldorf, Germany
Imported by: B. United International
Redding, CT
The Uerige Sticke (or “secret”) is a stronger, hoppier version of the regular altbier, a copper-colored ale brewed by this famous Düsseldorf brewpub. Sticke is brewed only twice a year, on the third Thursday in January and October.
Alcohol (wt.): 4.8
Alcohol (vol.): 6.0
Color: 16
Bitterness: 65
Gravity: 1065
The legendary secret “sticke” that I’ve lusted after for lo these many years. There’s a lovely bouquet and really fine taste here. Zum Uerige, I forgive you for the half Reichsmark I paid in the loo those many years ago on my last visit. This beer is rich, hoppy and malty—so well managed with full-bodied goodness. This is my first “sticke”—and well worth a trip to Düsseldorf if one manages that at the right time of the year. The complexity here is enough to drive one mad. It does seem a bit pale compared to the regular Zum, especially when one realizes the grandness of any malt base that can take those 65 IBUs. Nothing less than a six-pack will suffice!
I have to admit: I’m a sucker for a cool bottle, and this tall, thin flip-top is very cool indeed. The beer is coppery, with a slight haze and a rocky head. The nose is full of toffeeish malt and shows some raisiny notes. The palate is fascinating, with a balance between broad, aggressive hopping and a malty center with a soft, oily texture. The finish is clean and dry. Delicious, bursting with character and perfect for spicy chicken satay.
A justly famous beer from one of the world’s great original brewpubs. The name of the pub, Zum Uerige, refers to a cranky landlord of the past. Sticke beer represents an uncranky gesture of appreciation. The beer is brewed twice a year, slightly hoppier and longer-matured than the brewery’s flagship product, Zum Uerige Altbier. There is more of everything; wonderfully spicy hop aroma; dense, rocky head; firm, rounded body; tremendous interplay between big, malty middle and long, bitter finish
Fred Eckhardt lives, writes about and drinks beer in Portland, OR. He is the author of The Essentials of Beer and Sake (USA).
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.
Author of Ultimate Beer, the Simon & Schuster Guide to Beer and numerous other works on drinks, Jackson has created legions of converts to fine beer.
