The Saint Louis Brewery
St. Louis, MO
A classic golden ale that uses a yeast strain sourced from Köln, Germany. Fermented at 62 degrees, then cold conditioned, it has the delicate fruity aroma of an ale with the crisp, clean finish of a lager. It is brewed with lightly roasted malt and 100% German Noble Hops: Perle and Hallertau Traditional.
ABV: 4.8
ABW: 3.8
COLOR: 6
BITTERNESS: 25
ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 1047
AVAILABLE: DC, IA, IL, IN, KY, KS, MD, MO, NJ, VA, TN
A big German influence here, an American take on kölsch-style beer that originates in Cologne. While it’s as pale as lager, it’s ale but it’s meant to be drunk cold. The style is deliberately low on aggressive malt and hop character as it’s consumed in large quantities in Cologne bars in special small-measure glasses. Schafly is Pilsner-pale but with a peppery hop aroma, light citrus fruit and juicy malt. Gentle but tangy hop bitterness builds in the mouth, balanced by light malt and lemon fruit. The finish is dry and all three components—malt, hops and fruit—meld beautifully. It’s wonderfully refreshing.
The bright gold beer launches a solid white cap and holds it steady. The aroma is lightly fruity with some classically floral hop notes and a whiff of metal. On the palate, it’s surprisingly full-bodied, staying on the dry side while the light crisp hopping plays through. All the parts of the kölsch style are here, though in a different arrangement than you’d find in Germany. But this is America, and this is a very pleasant beer. Your hot dogs are almost ready on the grill.
Author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. Respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. and www.protzonbeer.co.uk.
Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of The Brooklyn Brewery, the Editor-in-Chief of The Oxford Companion to Beer, the author of The Brewmaster’s Table, and a veteran host of more than 800 beer dinners in 15 countries.
Wed Jul 3rd, 2013
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