Wasn’t sure if I should post this in commercial beer reviews…
Anyone have any good suggestions for commercially available Kolsch’s that are not too hard to come by? I brewed one recently and would like something to compare it to since I really don’t have that much experience with the category. Mine is pretty damn tasty but I would like to see if I am on the right track. I know my grain bill is not entirely authentic (not to mention the hops)
The only one that I see on a regular basis is Colorado Kolsch by Steamworks in Durango, CO (since I am in CO) and the only other one that I have really had is Alaskan Summer Ale. They both claim to be ‘traditional German style Kolsch’ beers. I think it may be hard for me to find an authentic kolsch from Germany but maybe I am wrong.
They distribute to Colorado according to their website. Check Whole Foods.
Saint Arnold is available in Texas and only in Texas and it will always be that way. And in Louisiana too. And in Colorado too! And Florida!
Franconia out of McKinney, TX has a traditional Kolsch as well. They do not list their distribution on their website, but I think it is primarily North Texas and Oklahoma.
Haha…I always wondered why Yellowtail didn’t actually taste like a ‘pale ale’. Never realized it was supposed to be a Kolsch. I have had it in San Diego but I have not see BP in Colorado.
This is another style who’s finer points can get lost in translation on the trip from Germany. Domestic examples are best (when done well).
If you’re in CO, find a good Rock Bottom location. Several locations make a kolsch, most of which are well done. The Indy College Park location brews the best kolsch I’ve ever had. Foreign or domestic.
Do you get Schlafly in Colorado? They make a GREAT kolsch.
I haven’t had the Gordon-Biersch kolsch, but there other offerings are pretty authentic. Worth a shot. Same goes for Victory.
Trader Joe’s makes a fair example (Summer Brew), but freshness counts since they don’t refrigerate. Its seasonal (I think), so pick one up when it first hits the shelf.
Rogue makes a honey kolsch that is quite nice. If you can segregate the honey character in your head, its a good example of the BJCP style.
Goose Island Summertime used to be a decent example, but I haven’t had it since ABI started brewing it.
If you find yourself in the Indiana/Chicago area, Calumet Queen by 3Floyds is superb.
Reissdorf is widely available but is on the bitter end of the style IMO. I usually have it on draft, so the bottle version may be less bitter (but also more skunky/oxidized).
Harpoon Summer is an excellent example of the style, unfortunately you’ll have to wait a bit to try it I’d put it up against any other Kölsch, but I do have the advantage of getting it super fresh up my way.
Thanks everyone. Looks like it will be easier for me to find a real German Kolsch than a lot of the ones mentioned. Looks like my local “beer warehouse” only has 3 domestic Kolsch beers in addition to the German ones:
Steamworks Colorado Kolsch
Uinta Hoodoo
St. Arnold’s Lawnmower
I’d really like to try the Fruh. Worthy brewing in Bend had a great one in Bend last weekend and we came home with a couple six packs. Great stuff. I’ve been seeing their can on more and more shelves so they may be in Colorado before too long. Picked up a case of the honey Kolsch at Rogue’s garage sale a while back. It’s nice but the honey is too prominent for my taste. At $20 for a case I made due. Still my favorite Kolsch is the one on tap in the garage.
I’d put it up against any other Kölsch, but I do have the advantage of getting it super fresh up my way.