The Germans developed the 'bottom fermenting yeast about 1850, which gave us 'Lager' beer, different from the top fermenting 'Ale tipe. The Lager type ferments cold, which takes longer than the Ale tipe that ferments at room temp. It's easier for home brewers, and is indeed more aromatic. "Altbier" (old beer) is still available in Germany. In my later years I've moved over to the ale type.