Honey Kolsch
Ogden River Brewing

 

this is a truly exceptional beer, packed with honey character and natural as can be, but its insanely forward in here, almost beyond logic, yet somehow this is dry and drinkable, as good an example of a honey beer or a flavored kolsch as i have had in some time, and easily the best beer these guys have brewed to date, in my experience anyway. its very pale, resplendent golden toned with high carbonation and a fizzy light white head from the tap at the brewery. it smells like wonderful wild honey, floral, blossoms, light citrus, grassy meadow, the essence of springtime, insanely potent, in front of yeast or grain here for me, but not so much so that i cannot appreciate that this is an expert kolsch as a base beer, very authentic. the flavor is fantastic too, also totally honey driven, waxy and raw to me but in such a well refined beer overall, its the first and last thing i taste, earthy dry grain base, just a little sweet from the honey in the middle, and the classic fermentation profile, all very fresh and cohesive, and with all this carbonation making it refreshing, there is really no limit on the volume of this i could consume if left to my own devices. the honey profile is impressive, i wonder if its added after the beer is made, because it doesnt seem fermented out, its more than a suggestion of honey, its full on honey flavored, but on the other hand, this isnt sweet enough to have been back sweetened with the honey much, so im not sure how its done, but they nailed it. a nice compliment to the spicy pork green chili on their menu, but a beer that is infinitely versatile with foods. i loved this, and hope they keep it in their permanent lineup, it certainly deserves a place there. one of the best beers i had in utah all weekend!