California Kölsch
Ballast Point Brewing Company

California KölschCalifornia Kölsch
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From:
Ballast Point Brewing Company
 
California, United States
Style:
Kölsch
Ranked #209
ABV:
5.2%
Score:
81
Ranked #25,948
Avg:
3.55 | pDev: 13.52%
Reviews:
436
Ratings:
1,401
Status:
Active
Rated:
Nov 12, 2023
Added:
Dec 26, 2001
Wants:
  59
Gots:
  317
Formerly Yellowtail Pale Ale and Pale Ale The Original.

There's no wonder why our Pale Ale is so popular--it is skillfully crafted in the style of the Kolsch beers of Cologne, Germany. We've chosen German hops for aroma, and rounded out the recipe with a blend of American and German malts.

While it is very much like a pilsner, our Pale Ale is fermented at ale temperatures, giving it a subdued fruitiness--a perfect compliment to the crispness of the wheat and maltiness of the Munich malt. If you like a lighter brew but also like the complexity of craft beers, then our Pale Ale is for you.

23 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by smcolw:
Photo of smcolw
Reviewed by smcolw from Massachusetts

3.11/5  rDev -12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Light amber color with a slight haze. Good lace. Modest head, but lasts.

Slightly stinky, but not skunky. Dry malt and slightly grainy. Very low hop.

Astringent is the first word that comes to mind. Flavorful, but dry. Smooth mouthfeel but not overly rich. Nice hoppy finish with good aftertaste.

This wouldn't be the first beer I'd reach for, but it is innocent enough to enjoy. No flaws but no curiosities either.
May 17, 2008
More User Ratings:
Photo of stevoj
Reviewed by stevoj from Idaho

3.38/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
Bottle. Straight up kolsch, light malt and crisp. Clear pale golden with tight white head. Nice bready taste, crackers. Short, sharp finish, light lemony notes.
Nov 12, 2023
 
Rated: 4 by MGibbons from Maryland

Jul 25, 2022
Photo of LesDewitt4beer
Reviewed by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota

4.03/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Scrappy notes from 2008.
This beer was called "Yellow Tail Pale Ale" when I had it in Autumn 2008 in San Diego on tap on the beach at a small pub/restaurant that gave surfboarding lessons. The beer is very light bodied, crisp & brisk yet rather creamy. Some pronounced hops and finishes quickly. It has a clean malty smell. Extremely easy drinking and very fresh tasting. Beautifully balanced. Would buy it anytime and I highly recommend it.
Nov 18, 2021
 
Rated: 3.62 by QuintusHorace from California

Jul 26, 2021
 
Rated: 3.93 by Shatik from California

Jul 14, 2021
Photo of Sigmund
Reviewed by Sigmund from Norway

3/5  rDev -15.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
355 ml bottle, from Fakta Hirtshals. BB date is hard to read, but is possibly Febr. 2014. Pale golden colour, slightly hazy. Low white head. Yeasty aroma, notes of slightly stale jam / marmalade. The flavour is moderately spicy and herbal with hints of citrus. Dry finish.
Dec 12, 2020
 
Rated: 3.5 by TallGuyCM from California

Jun 16, 2020
 
Rated: 4 by BalancingBrooms from California

Feb 01, 2020
 
Rated: 3.5 by mblakesley from California

Jan 22, 2020
 
Rated: 3.52 by gboley from California

Dec 10, 2019
 
Rated: 3.46 by jstern from California

Nov 11, 2019
 
Rated: 3.5 by DFred from California

Jul 06, 2019
 
Rated: 1.84 by Oh_Dark_Star from Washington

Apr 30, 2019
 
Rated: 3.63 by riderwbd from Vermont

Mar 09, 2019
 
Rated: 4.31 by orcafella from California

Mar 07, 2019
 
Rated: 3.06 by acurtis from New Jersey

Dec 27, 2018
 
Rated: 3.67 by DOCRW from Kentucky

Nov 12, 2018
 
Rated: 3.48 by mmmbeer89 from New Mexico

Aug 16, 2018
 
Rated: 3.97 by flek from Massachusetts

Aug 11, 2018
California Kölsch from Ballast Point Brewing Company
Beer rating: 81 out of 100 with 1401 ratings