Wolf Pack Ale
The Brewer's Cabinet

This was another beer that I picked up last year at the Total Wine in Reno, Nevada. Loved the label and homage to Wolf Pack athletics as this was a Kolsch that was completely true to form from start to finish.

No surprise that this poured a bright gold as it was topped off by a ton of fluffy, spongy head. A bit of dark a fine sediment was swirling around in the liquid as the beer was subtly radiant and hazy when held up to the light. Lots of grape, straw, and tangy citrus juice were in the nose as a ton of lemon, lime, and sour bread emerged on that palate once this warmed up. A bit of banana, pear, and fall-like spice came in underneath that as this felt a bit Belgian in nature when all was said and done.

Low in alcohol, lively in carbonation, and decent in body, this would be a perfect beer to tailgate with on Saturday’s in autumn. Dated 5/8/23 on the bottom of the can, this held up well over the last year through the ride home back east. The addition of Citra gave this a bit of a twist but in the end, there was plenty to like here as a step up from a typical lawnmower beer!

 

Type: 12-oz. can
Reviewed as: Kölsch
Glass: Clear 16-oz. Bruges beer glass
Price: n/a
From: Chad
Purchased: n/a; Received June 22, 2021
Consumed: July 11, 2021
Misc.: Canned on May 12, 2021

Thanks, Chad!

Was lucky enough to have Chad drop this along with a few others at a hotel in Sacramento for a pick-up. I had a previous version of this when it was still in the works. I gave it a 4.25 and mentioned that the Centennial was coming in nice. Nice to have one that Chad helped come to life as well. Untappd had it has “The Brewer’s Cabinet is excited to bring you your new favorite beer from our collection with Nevada Wolf Pack Athletics. The Wolf Pack Ale! In this partnership we set out to create a beer that’s approachable for a wide variety of beer lovers. A perfect choice to enjoy from the sidelines of your favorite Nevada sporting event, this drinkable brew goes down with ease.
Pack Nation rejoice, your beer has arrived!” Sounds like the hops are still Citra and Centennial.

Poured a medium yellow clear color with two fingers of frothy white head. Lots of bubbles coming up quickly around the sides of the glass. Very good spotty lacing. Outstanding retention. (Sight - 4.25)

The Citra jumps out in the nose, but also was getting some Belgian clove notes. Particularly got Citra, lemon zest, lime, Centennial, clove, banana, pear, apple and some black pepper. Not as much Belgian notes from the can. (Smell - 4.25)

Tasted a little better than the nose with less Belgian clove notes. Got Citra, lemon zest, lime, Centennial, clove, hints of banana, pear, apple and black pepper. (Taste - 4.25)

Medium body. Oily-to-creamy texture. Average carbonation. Abrupt, dry finish. (Feel - 4.25)

Just an excellent Kolsch. So happy to get to try it. (Overall - 4.25)

4.25 | 95 | A

Just added this beer to the database and I'll also review it because like Danhausen, I too am very nice, very evil.

Before Inbev and the University of Nevada got together, they actually supported a local product like this. Its a slightly darker than average kolsch, but it largely looks the part with its honey hued dark gold color, 1/2" white head and pretty good clarity. Since its got Wolfie on it, another bump for the look score if the word appearance is too much for you. The aroma is the most non traditional kolsch thing going on here: Citra hops. Didn't hate it. Had more of an orange/tangerine presence than lemon.

Taste is a pretty good summer banger. Easy to drink, but not bland. I wouldn't foist it on a kolsch purist, but there are less miserable people in the world than beer nerds, so if you have any normie friends, they will probably like this. It was a decent hit during softball season. The yeast isn't all that expressive, but enough to be satisfied.