Keller Kolsch
McKenzie Brewing Company

this is not technically amazing by any stretch, and to me a little fuller and more bready tasting than i like in the style, not as crisp as the best of these, somewhat less summery as a result, not not a poorly made beverage and one that sort of hit the spot on a hot summer day as a mindless drinker with some really tasty fresh seafood, probably needs a context like that to be its best self. i like the idea of a keller kolsch, not something you see everyday, and that unfiltered nature could account for some of the heft it drinks with, but the ferment isnt all that clean either, so is not just that. neat mineral profile to the water in this, lightly metallic but in a way that enhances the yeast. its only slightly german, packs some decent hop bitterness but not a big aroma or flavor there, and has balance even if unconventionally. frothy sudsy feeling which is strange in the style but not unwelcome, a bid doughy and bready both, and well carbonated. good not great, a little different which is cool i guess, but is anyone begging for less refreshing kolsch?

Wow, was this bad. Flat, heavy, a dull yellow color. Exact opposite of what a kolsch should be.

Look: Medium yellow and slightly opaque with a frothy pure white head that swells up and settles to a pillow, leaving great lacing behind
Aroma: Straw, floral hops, sods-cracker-like malt, some honey, and pilsner malt
Taste: Flowers, light fruity esters, and honey all come together up front, followed by notes of wet straw and a little pilsner malt. Honey and floral hops resurface and intermingle, leading to the finish
Mouthfeel: Full but light, very clean throughout, medium-high carbonation, and a soft but crisp finish
Overall: I dig it. Another tasty beer from this new-to-me brewery that recently began popping up on many local beer aisles. A great American-made Kolsch with some nice floral hops and honey notes that really make this particular style quite delicious. I hope this sticks around for a few months so when we warm up, I can haul these 19.2oz cans along for springtime adventures

Brewed with German Pilsner malt, Saaz hops, and it's unfiltered, which would explain why it's a "Keller" Kölsch. It's quite clear, though, and a darker amber. No hint of European perfumey hops, but there's an aroma of damp wood and hot wort. Grainy flavor with a hint of pecans.

Warm and malty. Less crisp than you might expect for the style. There's that insistent nutty flavor that is from another galaxy as the usual Kölsch. Overall it's a pleasant Blonde Ae sort of brew with added complexity. From the 22 oz bottle purchased at Market of Choice in Eugene.

 

This Kolsch was served in a stranded pint. The beer is a hazy straw with smallish white head.

It has a fresh nose of grains, a pit of pear and a touch of grass.

The taste is refreshing with a bit of lemon rind, milled grains and fruit (pear and maybe a bit of nectarine).

The mouth is slightly over carbonated but is crisp. The gassiness may limit you to a couple, but that's a couple of easy drinkers.