What is an altbier beer and what sets it apart from other beer styles?

An altbier is a type of German beer that is top-fermented and known for its balanced maltiness and hop bitterness. It is typically darker in color and has a clean, crisp finish. What sets it apart from other beer styles is its combination of ale and lager characteristics, as it is fermented at cooler temperatures like a lager but with ale yeast.