Robin Shepard
This beer is light on the palette, yet crisp and refreshing making it well suited for summer time foods and salads
Style: Kölsch is pale to light golden beer and very clear. Traditionally it is extensively filtered to achieve a brilliant golden body, and has little to no aroma, although a subtle hint of wheat malt can be common. The texture of this beer is light and usually crisp. Hoppiness is low, but there can be some dryness in the background. Overall, these are clean beers with very little aftertaste. The style originates in Köln, Germany and hence the name which in Europe is protected by the Kölsch Konvention, a document signed by local breweries in and around Köln that states only their beer can be called a Kölsch.
Background: This is a beer that JT Whitney's Brewmaster Rich Becker tries to keep on tap in the summer, and makes a great refreshing brew because of its crispness and clean flavor. It is made, in part, with wheat malt and German alt yeast, lending to the light-bodied qualities of this beer.
Tasting notes:
- Aroma: A very light malty, somewhat grainy nose.
- Appearance: Clear, bright, light golden with a minimal soft white head.
- Texture: Light to medium bodied, very crisp and sharp.
- Taste: Starts with a light malty, earthy flavor, then offer a crisp yeasty background.
- Finish/Aftertaste: Dry with a faint hint of light roasted malt.
Glassware: JT Whitney's serves this beer in a traditional bar pint, which is a great glass to appreciate the beer's brilliant clean golden color. Customarily, though, these beers are served in a narrow 200 ml (7 ounce) glass called a "Stange." This translates to "stick" or "staff" in German.
Pairs well with: This beer is light on the palette, yet crisp and refreshing making it well suited for summer time foods and salads. It also goes well with fish, as long as it doesn't have to compete with highly seasoned dishes.
Rating: Three Bottle Openers (out of four).
The Consensus: B- (worthy) from Beer Advocate, and a 16 by
