Local Liquid Kolsch
Steuben Brewing Company

Keepin it real by reserving the umlaut for authentically German versions. This local liquid is golden straw, with a chill haze that never cleared out. So let’s say “pail opalescent.” (SRM 2-3). Upon close examination, the entire glass is filled with what appears to be teeny-tiny bubbles gradually circulating in suspension. I am disinclined to get a magnifying glass, so let’s just accept the phenomenon as carbonation, even thou that must be wrong. Occasionally a few large bubbles coalesce to lazily drift with the flow upwards. Warmth caused the carbonation to become fine again and interestingly form rapidly moving swarms. A fluffy, off-white head briefly holds 1” before settling to a thick ring. And lace, well, gotta hand it to that ring, it tagged the Stiegl Stange after each sip.

While initially fruity, the aromas quickly shifted to lots of grain, with mild floral hops and grass. Hops stick around to take center stage, while the other aromas delicately fade with warmth.

The flavors are also delicate, with a mix of hops and grass holding court before light grains. The fruit is left behind. Exquisitely balanced bitterness with sweetness; both mild. As it warms, benevolent dryness introduces a long mild finish that is barely perceptible, yet certainly present. Extended warmth accentuates the bitterness and adds crispness.

Smooth, soft, like fine Jersey cotton, the texture is seductive. The body is medium to full, with no decreeable alcohol. Modest carbonation is like a dusting brush with light mineral qualities in the background.

Kolsch, or Kölsch: This style can be wonderful on a seasonably warm, sunny Sumer afternoon. Not a care or cloud in the sky. Just look at the powdery blue vastness. Ahh the quiet. A soft breeze, happy birds chirping. This is the life!

This one pours a clear honey colored orange, with a small head, and lots of lacing.

This smells like crispy hop character, bready malt, light honey, and some grassiness.

This is really great, with just a fantastic drinkability to it. There's a bit more hop character than the average kolsch, but I wouldn't classify it as a "hoppy kolsch" by any means. There's a nice very mildly sweet malt character, breadiness, and a spicy bitterness on the back end.

This is light bodied, crisp, and very clean, with a very easy drinkability to it.

This is right down the middle for Steuben, and they crushed it out of the park once again.