I wish I liked bitter beer...

because then I would be in heaven. I have an altbier that is bitter, almost like an IPA, and it is kegged. Is there anyway now to take some of that bitterness out of the beer or do I just give it to my hop-headed friend to drink?
Thank you in advance.

Waiting will give the hop acids time to mellow out. We are talking weeks to months. Of you could sweeten the beer by adding some splenda or other unfermentable sugar. The bitterness flavor perceived is better viewed as a low sweet:bitter ratio.

Wait. I did a quasi-alt that was too bitter, I set it aside for like eight months and it's wonderful. All the malty goodness comes through now, it's much less harsh, much more balanced.

You could also brew up another batch that is under-hopped and blend the two.

chillHayze said:

Waiting will give the hop acids time to mellow out. We are talking weeks to months. Of you could sweeten the beer by adding some splenda or other unfermentable sugar. The bitterness flavor perceived is better viewed as a low sweet:bitter ratio.

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How much unfermentable sugars would I need for 4 gallons and how long would I need to wait before drinking it?

the_bird said:

I set it aside for like eight months

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Was it in bottles or kegged?

Thank you all for such fast response. I just kegged this beer Thursday night and tried it this morning. I have a party going on today and was hoping that I could sweeten it up by then, 4 hours from now, but I do not think that is going to happen

FlyGuy said:

You could also brew up another batch that is under-hopped and blend the two.

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...or mix it in a pitcher with a too sweet beer (one that's gone a bit cidery will fit the bill nicely...) prior to serving to your guests...