Kolsch
Nashoba Valley Brewery

Thanks to Mark (thaichile) for bringing this to me from a recent trip to Mass. Comes in a generic bottle labeled "Special Reserve," but I am assured this is their Kolsch.

Poured out a star gold clear color with a foamy white white that lasts forever. Lots of bubbly carbonation rising up the glass. The nose is a bit citrusy, some citrusy hops, and sourness. The taste is at first slightly sour, then soothingly smooth, a bit sharp,

12ozer bought as a single from Julio's, Westboro, MA. Note that this bottle is labelled with the generic "Special Reserve" label, and doesn't even ID the particular beer. Not sure how they can legally do this.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 2 1/2" white head over the slightly cloudy light gold (yellow?) brew. Head fades quite slowly, leaving lots of foamy lacing. Aroma is light grains, with a citrus that dominates. Taste is pale malt sweetness upfront, quickly overcome by fruitiness that turns sour. Mouthfeel and drinkability are both limited by the tartness, which would be fine in a weiss or something, but not a Kolsch.

Straw color, no head, spotty lace, slight haze

Clean, crisp aromas--I also smelled...the refridgerator. I could not discern any hop.

Tastes like a cream ale. Thin in body, slightly tart. Low carbonation, which helps create a more flavorful beer.

In a world of heavy, strongly flavorful microbrews, Nashoba has a tendency to brew the light stuff. I give them credit for the courage in taking this approach. Still, I wish these beers had greater character.