Following in the footsteps of an age old German brewing tradition, Frosty Knuckle Brewing Company has released a rare seasonal beer called a Sticke Alt. Historically, the Sticke (pronounced shtick-uh) was only brewed twice a year, on the third Tuesday in January and the third Tuesday in October.
According to the German Beer Institute, “Sticke is local vernacular for "secret," which means the brewery does not reveal the recipe. The origin of the Sticke, according to local lore, dates from a time when beer ingredients were still measured rather haphazardly by the bucketful. If the brewmaster made a "mistake" and mashed in too generous an amount of malt, he also had to add an extra dose of hops for balance. The finished beer from such a batch would be a strong and substantial beverage. The news of a brewmaster's mistake, of course, normally would get around quickly among the initiated, who would pass the secret by word of mouth, behind cupped hands, in a "stickum" or "sticke" sort of way... and to be in on the secret was quite a privilege. It is said that this "stickum" hot tip, shared among the aficionados, then became the origin of the beer's name.” The brew is full-bodied and well-hopped, with a surprising balance between bitterness and nutty-malty sweetness, overlaid by strong notes of chocolate and roasted, but not acrid, malt. A Sticke Alt is usually dark-copper in color, has the flavor complexity of an ale, the noble hop bouquet and creamy head of a Pils, and the clean, mellow-smooth finish of an Oktoberfest. Its typical alcohol level by volume is about 5.5%—sometimes higher—compared to the 4.7 to 4.8% of a regular Altbier.
While there’s no mistaking that we intended to create this historically significant seasonal beer, we hope that you’ll feel equally privileged that we let you in on our own little secret! Look for Frosty Knuckle Special Reserve on draft. Only 25 bbls were produced so when it's gone, it's gone until next Fall. Hope you enjoy.
