KSA
Fort Point Beer Company
Beer Geek Stats
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- Style:
- Kölsch
Ranked #140 - ABV:
- 4.6%
- Score:
- 85
Ranked #34,266 - Avg:
- 3.75 | pDev: 12.8%
- Reviews:
- 24
- Ratings:
- From:
- Fort Point Beer Company
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 3
- Gots
- 19
SCORE
85
Very Good
85
Very Good
Notes:
KSA combines a thoughtful mixture of American bittering hops and traditional German malts to create a complex yet crisp take on the Kölsch style. Munich and Vienna malts construct the beer’s robust, rich grain flavor, while Saphir and Warrior hops bring balance through a clean finish. KSA’s old-school style, blended with bright, updated ingredients, makes this beer a classic on both continents.
Reviews: 24
| Ratings: 91
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hoppity from California
4/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Tastes like what I remember Kölsch tasting like in Köln, Germany many years ago. It's pleasantly light but with a good and satisfying amount of malt body. Alcohol level is refreshingly moderate as well which allows the flavor profile to come forward.
Aug 28, 2021
4/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Tastes like what I remember Kölsch tasting like in Köln, Germany many years ago. It's pleasantly light but with a good and satisfying amount of malt body. Alcohol level is refreshingly moderate as well which allows the flavor profile to come forward.
Aug 28, 2021
BerkeleyBeerSleuth from California
4/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Constantly available fresh Kolsch. Packaged on 03/08/2021. Beautiful amber color with an off white bubbly head. Distinct aroma of herbal, spicy, fruity hop esters. Cinnamon and spice. Caramel malts. Taste is malty, clean and refreshing. Doughy bread, not grainy or adjunct tasting. I haven't had many kolsch's to compare this too so I will probably rate this a little higher. Very good as a palate cleanser yet has enough complexity to it to sip and appreciate.
May 03, 2021
4/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Constantly available fresh Kolsch. Packaged on 03/08/2021. Beautiful amber color with an off white bubbly head. Distinct aroma of herbal, spicy, fruity hop esters. Cinnamon and spice. Caramel malts. Taste is malty, clean and refreshing. Doughy bread, not grainy or adjunct tasting. I haven't had many kolsch's to compare this too so I will probably rate this a little higher. Very good as a palate cleanser yet has enough complexity to it to sip and appreciate.
May 03, 2021
MattBeer from California
4.02/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This is such a classically good kolsch. Take a friend who doesn't give a crap about craft beer and pour him one of these. He'll be on his fourth before he realizes he's on his third.
OR SHE.
Mar 03, 2021
4.02/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This is such a classically good kolsch. Take a friend who doesn't give a crap about craft beer and pour him one of these. He'll be on his fourth before he realizes he's on his third.
OR SHE.
Mar 03, 2021
thesherrybomber from California
4.45/5 rDev +18.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance - Golden body with creamy white head
Nose - Slightly floral, bready, a touch of stone? fruit, something dusty/musty
Taste - Dry on the front end, followed by sweet malt
Mouthfeel - Crisp, light
Overall - Delicious! Wish I had tried sooner. At three months old, I'm curious to see how it is fresh. If you seek traditional styles, look no further
Jun 11, 2020
4.45/5 rDev +18.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance - Golden body with creamy white head
Nose - Slightly floral, bready, a touch of stone? fruit, something dusty/musty
Taste - Dry on the front end, followed by sweet malt
Mouthfeel - Crisp, light
Overall - Delicious! Wish I had tried sooner. At three months old, I'm curious to see how it is fresh. If you seek traditional styles, look no further
Jun 11, 2020
BayAreaJoe from California
3.82/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
This is one of my go-to meal beers. For when you want less bitterness than a pilsner and a little more flavor/substance than a regular lager. Good balance of grain bread with a touch of hops and just a little sweetness. Glad to have this widely available in my area.
Dec 23, 2019
3.82/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
This is one of my go-to meal beers. For when you want less bitterness than a pilsner and a little more flavor/substance than a regular lager. Good balance of grain bread with a touch of hops and just a little sweetness. Glad to have this widely available in my area.
Dec 23, 2019
Sup_Sippin from California
3.83/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Hammers and nails floating at the bottom of my bathtub (tinsel? little brass bells?) and early-era Game Of Thrones is being re-enacted by cats, the tabby kind. The shoes I’m wearing make metallic clicks across dark stretches of asphalt.
Nov 27, 2019
3.83/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Hammers and nails floating at the bottom of my bathtub (tinsel? little brass bells?) and early-era Game Of Thrones is being re-enacted by cats, the tabby kind. The shoes I’m wearing make metallic clicks across dark stretches of asphalt.
Nov 27, 2019
MaltyMagic from California
4.3/5 rDev +14.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Canned 6/3/2019. Yellow gold pour, white top. Malt/yeast forward smell and taste. Lager yeast, creamy and husky grain, biscuit, dough, light apple/white grape, balanced by lemony hops. Tangy, dry finish. Perfectly executed Kolsch. Well balanced, refreshing, crushable. Great summertime session or lawnmower beer. Highly recommend this one.
Jul 13, 2019
4.3/5 rDev +14.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Canned 6/3/2019. Yellow gold pour, white top. Malt/yeast forward smell and taste. Lager yeast, creamy and husky grain, biscuit, dough, light apple/white grape, balanced by lemony hops. Tangy, dry finish. Perfectly executed Kolsch. Well balanced, refreshing, crushable. Great summertime session or lawnmower beer. Highly recommend this one.
Jul 13, 2019
BigGold from Mississippi
3.58/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
First had KSA, my first beer from Fort Point, at Brenda's French Soul Food, San Francisco, CA, poured from 12-oz. can, bottom stamped (apparently) canned “01/31/2019,” into appropriately small juice glass, and had again at Gott’s Roadside, Palo Alto, CA, on draft into pint tumbler.
A little darker and maltier than expected, covering the style’s delicate fruitiness, but not a bad effort.
Mar 11, 2019
3.58/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
First had KSA, my first beer from Fort Point, at Brenda's French Soul Food, San Francisco, CA, poured from 12-oz. can, bottom stamped (apparently) canned “01/31/2019,” into appropriately small juice glass, and had again at Gott’s Roadside, Palo Alto, CA, on draft into pint tumbler.
A little darker and maltier than expected, covering the style’s delicate fruitiness, but not a bad effort.
Mar 11, 2019
penguinsgoboom from California
4.36/5 rDev +16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A: Pours a soapy 2-3 finger foam that quickly dissipates into a think film of bubbles. Good carbonation and lice lacing. Hazy with the color of young mango.
S: Smells of pears, apples, grass, almost like champagne. Light, very fragrant, floral and pleasant.
T: Sweet apple, pear, and some ripe rich fruit like papaya. Transitions very nicely into a pine nut, wheaty, malty, bready finish.
O: Extraordinarily light and refreshing. Perfect for a summer day. Almost verges on cider. So smooth. Would casually drink a ton.
Jul 11, 2018
4.36/5 rDev +16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A: Pours a soapy 2-3 finger foam that quickly dissipates into a think film of bubbles. Good carbonation and lice lacing. Hazy with the color of young mango.
S: Smells of pears, apples, grass, almost like champagne. Light, very fragrant, floral and pleasant.
T: Sweet apple, pear, and some ripe rich fruit like papaya. Transitions very nicely into a pine nut, wheaty, malty, bready finish.
O: Extraordinarily light and refreshing. Perfect for a summer day. Almost verges on cider. So smooth. Would casually drink a ton.
Jul 11, 2018
DavidR_9 from California
3.72/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Canned 1/23/18
A beautiful golden yellow clear body and a healthy two fingers of head that's very active upon first pour. The tall but airy white head simmers down to a ring around the glass. Very light bitter hop aroma, bready bright malt, and a light estery yeast aroma. Banana, fresh almonds, nuttiness, black pepper, and bready flavors - banana being the most forward note in the flavor. Everything is very subtle and clean. Really light in bitterness, medium carbonation and a quick, clean, and slightly drying finish. Very easy to drink and enjoyable. I prefer a fruitier kolch with more substantial gravity but this is a great session kolch.
Feb 08, 2018
3.72/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Canned 1/23/18
A beautiful golden yellow clear body and a healthy two fingers of head that's very active upon first pour. The tall but airy white head simmers down to a ring around the glass. Very light bitter hop aroma, bready bright malt, and a light estery yeast aroma. Banana, fresh almonds, nuttiness, black pepper, and bready flavors - banana being the most forward note in the flavor. Everything is very subtle and clean. Really light in bitterness, medium carbonation and a quick, clean, and slightly drying finish. Very easy to drink and enjoyable. I prefer a fruitier kolch with more substantial gravity but this is a great session kolch.
Feb 08, 2018
summitsix from California
3.79/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
L - Golden, filtered Kolsch
S - American hops come through upfront, smells like a pilsner
T - Nice kölsch, hints of banana, spice
F - Creamy
O - Well done session beer
Jan 07, 2018
3.79/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
L - Golden, filtered Kolsch
S - American hops come through upfront, smells like a pilsner
T - Nice kölsch, hints of banana, spice
F - Creamy
O - Well done session beer
Jan 07, 2018
Beginner2 from Illinois
3.93/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Definitely "old school" as the marketing claims. Immediately after popping the can, the Smell of KSA amazingly took me way back to my first beer well over a half a century ago. (Can't remember if it was Old Style or Pabst, maybe Hamms.) The rest of KSA is different. It Looks amber. Its Taste is balanced well with a malt base and only a few hops. And KSA's mouth is smooth and soft compared to the bubbles of 1960s.
OA: I'd have KSA again, maybe side-by-side with the mass marketing relics ... just to remind us of how far we have come.
Dec 29, 2017
3.93/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Definitely "old school" as the marketing claims. Immediately after popping the can, the Smell of KSA amazingly took me way back to my first beer well over a half a century ago. (Can't remember if it was Old Style or Pabst, maybe Hamms.) The rest of KSA is different. It Looks amber. Its Taste is balanced well with a malt base and only a few hops. And KSA's mouth is smooth and soft compared to the bubbles of 1960s.
OA: I'd have KSA again, maybe side-by-side with the mass marketing relics ... just to remind us of how far we have come.
Dec 29, 2017
lbond from California
4.1/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
https://i.imgur.com/Tklougu.jpg
4.6% ABV
Smooth texture with a nice rush of flavor. Absolutely wonderful lighter beer for drinking casually. Nice head and delicious to drink, perfect session kolsch
Nov 11, 2017
4.1/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
https://i.imgur.com/Tklougu.jpg
4.6% ABV
Smooth texture with a nice rush of flavor. Absolutely wonderful lighter beer for drinking casually. Nice head and delicious to drink, perfect session kolsch
Nov 11, 2017
tmiso from California
2.43/5 rDev -35.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 1.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
Perhaps I have gone hop crazy, but this beer definitely lacks what I want. It does remind me of Czechoslovakian pilsners but I would much prefer a Pilsner Urquel at the price.
Aug 10, 2017
2.43/5 rDev -35.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 1.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
Perhaps I have gone hop crazy, but this beer definitely lacks what I want. It does remind me of Czechoslovakian pilsners but I would much prefer a Pilsner Urquel at the price.
Aug 10, 2017
detgfrsh from Texas
3.53/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
From a can. Pours a pale gold color with a small amount of head. Bread and grass smell. Light, carbonated feel. Bready taste with a floral hop finish. Not exactly what I was expecting, the German Kölsch beers I've had are more fruit-forward. The flavor is a little too dry and grassy for me.
Jun 18, 2017
3.53/5 rDev -5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
From a can. Pours a pale gold color with a small amount of head. Bread and grass smell. Light, carbonated feel. Bready taste with a floral hop finish. Not exactly what I was expecting, the German Kölsch beers I've had are more fruit-forward. The flavor is a little too dry and grassy for me.
Jun 18, 2017
TrojanRB from Texas
4.3/5 rDev +14.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a clear gold with very little head
Smells of sweet bread (king's Hawaiian roll?), a little floral,
Tastes of pear, green apple, some grain,
Crisp and dry, lightly carbonated
Really enjoyable, one of the better Kolsch style beers I've had
Apr 28, 2017
4.3/5 rDev +14.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours a clear gold with very little head
Smells of sweet bread (king's Hawaiian roll?), a little floral,
Tastes of pear, green apple, some grain,
Crisp and dry, lightly carbonated
Really enjoyable, one of the better Kolsch style beers I've had
Apr 28, 2017
HipCzech from Texas
3.98/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
12 oz can poured into a tall Pilsener glass. Bright clear yellow with a good head of white bubbles and visible carbonation. Smell and taste of fresh baked bread and lightly toasted grains. Subtle yeast fruitiness and earthy, grassy hop bitterness balance out the malt. Light body and relatively gentle carbonation. Clean, crisp and pleasant to drink.
Aug 05, 2016
3.98/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
12 oz can poured into a tall Pilsener glass. Bright clear yellow with a good head of white bubbles and visible carbonation. Smell and taste of fresh baked bread and lightly toasted grains. Subtle yeast fruitiness and earthy, grassy hop bitterness balance out the malt. Light body and relatively gentle carbonation. Clean, crisp and pleasant to drink.
Aug 05, 2016
tempest from New York
4.09/5 rDev +9.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A great kolsch is tough to pull off. You're balancing a lot of soft, subtle flavors and need to let them all speak. KSA nails it. There's a wonderful toasted multi-grain bread aroma and flavor followed by mild floral and juicy hops. The finish is dry and a little spicy. And the aroma is doughy and earthy
Mar 03, 2016
4.09/5 rDev +9.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A great kolsch is tough to pull off. You're balancing a lot of soft, subtle flavors and need to let them all speak. KSA nails it. There's a wonderful toasted multi-grain bread aroma and flavor followed by mild floral and juicy hops. The finish is dry and a little spicy. And the aroma is doughy and earthy
Mar 03, 2016
mactrail from Washington
4.1/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Wayfare Tavern in SF. Golden brew with a big foam in the pint shaker. It has that sweetish taste of challah bread with the tangy hop finish. Perfectly fragrant and crisp, the best Kölsch I"ve had in a long time.
Feb 06, 2016
4.1/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Wayfare Tavern in SF. Golden brew with a big foam in the pint shaker. It has that sweetish taste of challah bread with the tangy hop finish. Perfectly fragrant and crisp, the best Kölsch I"ve had in a long time.
Feb 06, 2016
Biggiekrock627 from Maryland
4.11/5 rDev +9.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Clean and crisp Kolsch. Poured on draft into half liter at Schroeder's in SF. This beer embodies the fresh crisp and light mouth feel expected of a kolsch and is perfectly paired with the freshly baked pretzels and mustard
Feb 03, 2016
4.11/5 rDev +9.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Clean and crisp Kolsch. Poured on draft into half liter at Schroeder's in SF. This beer embodies the fresh crisp and light mouth feel expected of a kolsch and is perfectly paired with the freshly baked pretzels and mustard
Feb 03, 2016
UCLABrewN84 from California
4/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy golden-yellow with a foamy white head that settles to a partial film on top of the beer. Foamy rings of lace line the glass on the drink down. Smell is of grain, grass, and fruit aromas. Taste is much the same with grain, grass, earth, and fruit flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer that is tasty, light, and easy to drink.
Serving type: can.
Dec 20, 2015
4/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours a hazy golden-yellow with a foamy white head that settles to a partial film on top of the beer. Foamy rings of lace line the glass on the drink down. Smell is of grain, grass, and fruit aromas. Taste is much the same with grain, grass, earth, and fruit flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer that is tasty, light, and easy to drink.
Serving type: can.
Dec 20, 2015
Nugganooch from California
3.88/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On Tap at Soma Eats – San Francisco, CA
4oz taster - Notes taken on 06/11/2015
Bready, grainy, floral, and grassy
A: The Kolsch arrives a light golden honey color with a faint haze across the body. A thin layer of ivory white foam adorns the top for a few fleeting minutes. A few small streaks of squiggly lace are left around the glass wall.
S: The nose is malt forward and very on point to the style. Bready with a light biscuit influence. Noble hops are present in the background with some light spice and grassy florals.
T: A nice classic Kolsch flavor with good balance all around. Creamy spice malt action with a mix of lightly toasted grain and some bready biscuit like notes. Finish brings forth a touch of hops by way of some grassy herbs and light spice. Nice crisp and refreshing beer flavor. Very clean and lager like.
M: Light and frothy feel on the palate with dryness at the finish. Nicely crisp and very clean.
D: A real nice take on the Kolsch and right on point I would say. Not my favorite style but has that classic beery lager flavor with a clean crisp texture. Easy no nonsense drinking. Well done.
Dec 03, 2015
3.88/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On Tap at Soma Eats – San Francisco, CA
4oz taster - Notes taken on 06/11/2015
Bready, grainy, floral, and grassy
A: The Kolsch arrives a light golden honey color with a faint haze across the body. A thin layer of ivory white foam adorns the top for a few fleeting minutes. A few small streaks of squiggly lace are left around the glass wall.
S: The nose is malt forward and very on point to the style. Bready with a light biscuit influence. Noble hops are present in the background with some light spice and grassy florals.
T: A nice classic Kolsch flavor with good balance all around. Creamy spice malt action with a mix of lightly toasted grain and some bready biscuit like notes. Finish brings forth a touch of hops by way of some grassy herbs and light spice. Nice crisp and refreshing beer flavor. Very clean and lager like.
M: Light and frothy feel on the palate with dryness at the finish. Nicely crisp and very clean.
D: A real nice take on the Kolsch and right on point I would say. Not my favorite style but has that classic beery lager flavor with a clean crisp texture. Easy no nonsense drinking. Well done.
Dec 03, 2015
duffgardens from California
3.96/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
No head to speak of. Pale yellow tending toward orange (with just a hint of cloudiness). Not particularly aromatic. Really nice crisp taste with lightly bitter aftertaste of hops.
Jul 21, 2015
3.96/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
No head to speak of. Pale yellow tending toward orange (with just a hint of cloudiness). Not particularly aromatic. Really nice crisp taste with lightly bitter aftertaste of hops.
Jul 21, 2015
elNopalero from California
3.87/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
This pours a light golden color with gentle cottony foaming. There’s a light honeyed aroma that has a a touch of green apple.
Pleasingly backing with a hint of toasted biscuit. It’s clean, and lightly fruity, but an easy drinker. I keep thinking if they dialed up the hops it would make an amazing pilsner.
Dec 17, 2014
3.87/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
This pours a light golden color with gentle cottony foaming. There’s a light honeyed aroma that has a a touch of green apple.
Pleasingly backing with a hint of toasted biscuit. It’s clean, and lightly fruity, but an easy drinker. I keep thinking if they dialed up the hops it would make an amazing pilsner.
Dec 17, 2014
KSA from Fort Point Beer Company
Beer rating:
85 out of
100 with
91 ratings
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