Mankato Stickum

The Mankato Brewery is in North Mankato, Minnesota.  It is the first production brewery to be in that city since 1967.  Stickum (pronounced "schtyk-oom") is their take on a German Sticke/Altbier.  It comes in at 5.8% ABV.

The beer pours a clear mahogany, light chestnut in color.  There is a half inch of creamy, foamy head, just off-white in color that leaves very sticky light lacing down the glass.  The aroma is very malty, nutty, hazelnut, roasted, toasty, a touch of caramel, wood, sweet potato and yeast.  It is rich smelling with a slight tang on the end.  The taste follows the aromas, very nutty, roasted and toasted malt.  Before all that malt can get sweet, it is abruptly cut off by a bracing, woody, bitter dryness.  The aftertaste is nutty malt, slightly grassy and slightly fruity.

Too many sticke/alt beers are either too sweet, or have too much "burnt toast".  This one is well-balanced, and absolutely delicious.  Another winner from Mankato Brewery!