Marzcal Kolsch
Marz Community Brewing

 

a: medium golden amber, thin white head which quickly subsides to razor thinness
s: pungent smokiness for the most part; leather
t: smoky peat maltiness dominates but it is not overpowering in any way. Hops are present as well.
m: medium low carbonation. Slightly slick/oily.
o: This is quite an interesting beer. I can see it being polarizing certainly. I enjoy peaty scotches so this is up my alley. It seems to be more of a sipper and something I prefer in smaller doses (i.e, splitting a bottle of this is perfect imo). I would certainly have this again on occasion. A nice cold weather kolsch! Nice going with this one, Marz.

 

I'm glad I bought this one, but I honestly wouldn't buy it again. That's more an indictment of the style-I've never had a kolsch, but I was curious about Marz Brewing and The Open Bottle had it. Totally smoky, not bad flavor, and the pungent elements of the nose and taste are not so overwhelming that it pushes this into the "too far" category. I wouldn't say it's a refreshing beer, but it's worth trying if you want something "different". Combine it with Pipeworks War Bird for a fun clash of styles.

Nice golden color with a briefly retentive head. Notes of smoked malt and leather on the nose. Some salty brine and slate in front, with a smoky mid-palate that reminds you it's inspiration is mezcal, and a lingering finish that brings both together. Thick mouthfeel, especially for the style. Overall something I'd like to have on hand for the right occasion, but not something I'd drink daily. I do, though, thoroughly enjoy this brew from one of my favorite newer Chicago breweries.

 

This is really funky. The review that says it's inspired by mezcal makes a lot of sense. It's smoky and peaty and really different. I enjoyed it for what it is but certainly not one of my favorites. I'll definitely keep trying beers from Marz though. I like what they're doing.

Mezcal inspired, meaning smoked agave nectar.
Clear golden orange, ample foam.

Slight agave sweetness and smoky peat. Light bandaid, which is familiar as a scotch drinker... peat smoked malt dominates. Medium bodied, "heavy" for a Kölsch due to the agave nectar added. Most of the sweetness is fermented out. Slick feel. Overall the smoke doesn't overpower, but it's obviously present. Pretty unique and interesting, worth a try.

A description of the beer in the bottle may have helped. I am not sure if this is smoked or just tastes like it.