-
Stop lurking! Log in to search, post in our forums, review beers, see fewer ads, and more. — Todd, Founder of BeerAdvocate
Kölsch
Alaskan Brewing Co.
- From:
- Alaskan Brewing Co.
- Alaska, United States
- Style:
- Kölsch
Ranked #198 - ABV:
- 5.3%
- Score:
- 81
Ranked #25,421 - Avg:
- 3.59 | pDev: 11.7%
- Reviews:
- 324
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Nov 23, 2023
- Added:
- Jun 01, 2002
- Wants:
- 34
- Gots:
- 146
Formerly Alaskan Summer Ale
Alaskan Summer Ale balances a softly malted palate with the clean freshness of hops. In the tradition of the style, neither overpowers the other. Both hops and malt come together to refresh and renew the palate. The straw-gold color and easy drinkability are an enjoyable way to celebrate summer.
Alaskan Summer Ale balances a softly malted palate with the clean freshness of hops. In the tradition of the style, neither overpowers the other. Both hops and malt come together to refresh and renew the palate. The straw-gold color and easy drinkability are an enjoyable way to celebrate summer.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Tupperwolf:
Reviewed by Tupperwolf from Washington
4.22/5 rDev +17.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
4.22/5 rDev +17.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
Ah... how the packaging reminds me of my year stationed on Coast Guard Cutter Storis, Queen of the fleet - the oldest commissioned cutter. We patrolled the Gulf of Alaska and Bering sea, and never went a day or two without being joined by humpbacks, porpoises, Minke whales, or, most memorably, orcas. (I'll never forget BM1 Lochlan making the pipe - "Now for the information of all hands, there are orcas breeding off the port bow.... Belay my last... Orcas BREECHING off the port bow...")
The appearance is somewhat standard for this style; A medium-colored golden glass of beer, with plently of easily visible rising bubbles that don't do anything to feed the tiny head. A very small head appears on pouring, but pops by the time I sit down in my chair.
The aroma is clean, lightly spicy, with orange peelings and a slight doughy character. Saaz style hops make a tiny appearance. It smells crisp and inviting.
The mouthfeel has a lot of flavor! There are a few characteristics that seem to be simultaneous, yet distinct - yet simultaneous. It's fruity, spicy, and bready all at once. It never gets too fruity, because the crisp pear and orange flavors are kicked back by a coriander spice - which is subsequently taken over by a creamy breadiness. The flavors transition quickly, and it even tastes good right out of the bottle. Matter of fact, I drank the first four of my sixer without pouring.
Mouthfeel begins smooth and deep, and transitions to a crispness as the spiciness kicks in; It finishes doughy and creamy, with a little lingering malt.
Exceptionally drinkable beer, this will likely become a staple of this summer's festivities at my house and other places of gathering where good beer is needed!
Apr 23, 2006The appearance is somewhat standard for this style; A medium-colored golden glass of beer, with plently of easily visible rising bubbles that don't do anything to feed the tiny head. A very small head appears on pouring, but pops by the time I sit down in my chair.
The aroma is clean, lightly spicy, with orange peelings and a slight doughy character. Saaz style hops make a tiny appearance. It smells crisp and inviting.
The mouthfeel has a lot of flavor! There are a few characteristics that seem to be simultaneous, yet distinct - yet simultaneous. It's fruity, spicy, and bready all at once. It never gets too fruity, because the crisp pear and orange flavors are kicked back by a coriander spice - which is subsequently taken over by a creamy breadiness. The flavors transition quickly, and it even tastes good right out of the bottle. Matter of fact, I drank the first four of my sixer without pouring.
Mouthfeel begins smooth and deep, and transitions to a crispness as the spiciness kicks in; It finishes doughy and creamy, with a little lingering malt.
Exceptionally drinkable beer, this will likely become a staple of this summer's festivities at my house and other places of gathering where good beer is needed!
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by AdmiralOzone from Minnesota
3.72/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
3.72/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours crystal clear golden orange with a thin white cap that leaves leggings when swirled. Aroma is slightly citrusy, malt and floral hops. Flavor follows the nose, a bit sweet. Feel is light bodied and well carbonated. Overall, a satisfying beer.
Nov 01, 2023Reviewed by ZAP from Minnesota
3.76/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.76/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
L-Darker shade of gold than expected.
S-Lightly frutiy (cherries) with also some black pepper notes..
T-Light soft maltiness...wheat impression...light subtle fruitiness....
F-Good carbonation....slightly tart on the finish..
O-Not a bad stab at the style.
Jul 16, 2023S-Lightly frutiy (cherries) with also some black pepper notes..
T-Light soft maltiness...wheat impression...light subtle fruitiness....
F-Good carbonation....slightly tart on the finish..
O-Not a bad stab at the style.
Reviewed by KT3418 from Colorado
3.88/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.88/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
It's not my most favorite Kolsch but it is very very clean and fresh, easy drinking and a little crisp. Definitely exceeded my expectations. I'd say this one has become a bit underrated
Mar 30, 2023Reviewed by whynot44 from Missouri
3.68/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.68/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Clear light straw yellow with a modest but lasting white head and some nice lacing.
The aroma is pale malt, fresh baked bread, a bit of apple or pear. The taste is light caramel malt, fresh bread, lightly sweet apple or pear, some fruity spiciness and just a hint of floral hops.
The body is light/medium, nice level of carbonation adds some crispness, smooth and very drinkable.
Altogether, this is a tasty and enjoyable brew, not exactly classic, but very nice all the same. This should be espsecially good for hot weather. I could see needing a few on a hot day, but drinkable anytime
Feb 27, 2023The aroma is pale malt, fresh baked bread, a bit of apple or pear. The taste is light caramel malt, fresh bread, lightly sweet apple or pear, some fruity spiciness and just a hint of floral hops.
The body is light/medium, nice level of carbonation adds some crispness, smooth and very drinkable.
Altogether, this is a tasty and enjoyable brew, not exactly classic, but very nice all the same. This should be espsecially good for hot weather. I could see needing a few on a hot day, but drinkable anytime
Reviewed by KTCamm from New Jersey
3.5/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
3.5/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
4/20/21...mostly clear pale gold. Foams all but away to a flat still view. Notes of hay, straw, grains but faint. Clean crisp flavor. No sweetness. Mellow, smooth, and consistent. Acts like a Kolsch should act.
Dec 31, 2021Rated by eatsluggs from Florida
3.56/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.56/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Again... kolsch should cime from Germany. Just brew something else. And leave this brew from someone else.
Mar 13, 2021Reviewed by cyclonece09 from Wisconsin
3.79/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
3.79/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a can into a pint glass. Pours yellow orange with a fluffy white head. Smells of wheat, not overly sweet. Tastes of sweet wheat and slight fruitiness, not too strong but nice balance. Beer is light bodied and very easy drinking, good carbonation. Overall a very good beer.
Sep 01, 2020
Kölsch from Alaskan Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
81 out of
100 with
884 ratings
We love reviews (150 characters or more)! Check out: How to Review a Beer. You don't need to get fancy. Drop some thoughts on the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) plus your overall impression. Something that backs up your rating and helps others. Thanks!