Learn Beer » Reviews » Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers » Beers

Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

Continental Ales

Exploring a Rich Foamscape of Ales

Kölsch

Kölsch is an ale style emanating from Cologne in Germany. In Germany (and the European Community) the term is strictly legally limited to the beers from within the city environs of Cologne. Simply put, kölsch has the color of a pilsner with some of the fruity character of an ale. This is achieved with the use of top-fermenting yeasts and pale pilsner malts. The hops are accented on the finish, which classically is dry and herbal. It is a medium- to light-bodied beer and delicate in style. Most examples in the United States are brewpub draft interpretations produced during the summer months, though some commercial brewers produce a summer ale in the kölsch style.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

90 Summertime, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL). 4.7% ABV (5/10)
Pure golden color. Aromas of lemon frosting and apricot marmalade on pound cake follow through on a crisp entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with excellent vibrancy and depth. Finishes with a long, refreshing sweet citrus and lightly buttered toasted corn bread accent. Very nice.

88 Sunner Kölsch, Brauerei Gerbruder (Germany). 5.3% ABV (5/10)
Golden yellow color with a frothy head. Delicate aromas of corn casserole and asparagus frittata follow through on a soft, creamy entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with excellent smoothness and balance. Finishes with tangy mineral, citrus and grain husk accents. Very refreshing.

85 Corano Extra Kölsch, Brew Brothers (NV). 5.3% ABV (4/08)
Pale golden color.  Thin veil of lace from very little head retention. Lively aromatics of lemon zest and lemon curd with hints of faint fresh sourdough bread and just a slight trail of musty malt. Bright and lively entry. More notes of lemon zest and citrus flavors combined with nougaty bread-like malt backbone. Lasting finish of the aforementioned citrus zest with a quenching tang. A balanced summer quencher.

85 Kentucky Light, Alltech Lexington Brewing (KY). 4.32% ABV (5/10)
Golden yellow color. Aromas of toasted bread crust and lightly roasted corn follow through on a soft, fluffy entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with good balance and a touch of creamed spinach and white chocolate on the relaxed hop finish.

84 Victor’s Gold, Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. (MI). 4.5% ABV (4/09)
Slightly hazy golden amber color with a lacy head. Aromas of caramel-drizzled toast, candy corn and wet grain follow through on a soft, almost limp, low carbonation entry to dryish medium body with peach jam on buttered nut toast notes. Finishes with a flavorful, bready if somewhat dilute in texture, fade with a prick of pepper.

84 Best Blonde, Roy-Pitz Brewing Co. (PA). 4% ABV (4/09)
Hazy old gold color with a fine blanket of foam. Aromas of pepper frittata, floury toasted biscuit and wet dirt follow through on a round entry to a dryish medium body with sourdough and bruised lemon notes. Finishes with a rich, multi-grain flour and fried egg yolk fade. Interesting.

Add Your Comments