Kolsch
UTOG Brewing Company

 

 

their mandarina kolsch is far more popular, but i liked this just as much, really classically styled, light and clean and dry and authentic, i find the citrus one to run just a tad too sweet for serious sessioning, but this one is built for it. if its the same base beer, which it likely is, its hard to appreciate through all the fruit just how good this version is. clear radiant golden color with a lot of head and bubbles from the can. it smells clean and dry, with a simple german malt base and a european yeast strain, tidy and professionally made. the flavor is mineral forward, earthy on the malt side, and bone dry with a fast finish, its crisp and refreshing, lager-esque in its simplicity and apparent purity, very minimal body and high carbonation too, super easy drinking. the hops bring just a little bitterness, seem noble and appropriate for the style, and overall this is impressive in its minimal nature and high degree of refinement. a summer slammer for sure. utog keeps getting better and better it seems, and i love that they released this kolsch without the fruit, i think there is definitely room in the scene here for them to coexist!

12 oz can from the government store. Pours clear gold with a large fine white head. Nice steady carbonation. Aroma: grain, cracker, pilsner like hops, hint of sweet malt. Taste: sweet malt, cracker, slightly drier finish. I’ve never had an authentic German Kolsch so I can’t say whether this one is a good example of the style but it is one of the better ones I’ve tried.