Kolsch! Underrated lighter beer?

French Broad Brewing Gateway Kolsch from Asheville , NC!

 

For the 65 people so far that rated the poll "Kolsch's are awesome", how many of you actually found 1 or 2 out there that you rated above a 4.5? I have my doubts.

 

(raises hand)

 

Cool. Which one? I've had 15 so far, and the highest rated one I've tried was S.A. Escape Route at 4.25. Everything else has been a 4 or lower. 4-4.25 is my "good" range.

 

Paeffgen and Malzmuehle I rated 4.75 or above. Of course my "ratings" are meant as approximations of Michael Jackson's, where a 4.75 would fall somewhere just short of world-class (with a 5 being truly world-class).

 

I'll try to look for them. Actually, I just went and noticed from your Kolsch reviews that you also had quite a few that you ranked below a 4 (most of them). So probably there are just a lot of not so well made ones out there and need to find the diamond in the rough. I guess I haven't found them yet with Sam Adams being the best I've tasted so far and nothing special. And I like many of the authentic German beers as well.

 

Those are only available in Cologne. Also, keep in mind that for me a 4-4.5 simply means something like "worth seeking out"; a 3-4 something like "above average"; and a 2-3 "typical of its country and style". So a German 3 will in my book likely be "better" than a U.S. 3 as that country tends to do that style better. In other words, I wouldn't put much stock into my ratings....

 

Just drank a Sunner Kolsch and it was delicious.

 

Kolsch's are great to offer to my BMC drinking friends, but I'd prefer a nice pilsener or helles lager any day.

 

Over 50% of people claim to love kolsch's, but the #1 rated kolsch on BA is barely over a 4 average rating?

 

they can be good, but its not a high scoring style. same with blonde ales

 

Not sure if under rated is the right term but definitely not as well liked as it should be. Also, 4/5 Kolsch I have had are just so-so but the other 1/5 are amazing. My favorite Kolsch ever was from Franconia Brewing Company in McKinney, TX. Truly an amazing beer!

See my above comment. I don't really rate much but this one mentioned would easily be better than even (dare I say it) the true German Kolsch (ducks behind table turned on it's side).

 

I agree with you. I have only had cheap imports and American interpretations. I'd love to have a true kolsch!

 

Kolsch is not at the top of my list. However, when you can get your hands on a well brewed Kolsch they are Golden. They do seem to vary quite a bit. Some are clean and smooth and others rough around the edges with woody flavors. I've even had some lackusters that had what I call a barnyard taste, like the OP said grassy even dirty.

A Kolsch is like a pilsner to me. I want a nice Czech Pils, not a domestic knockoff if I have the choice.

 

After brett and a barrel; probably.

 

This sounds great, and I like this lineup way better than last year's.

 

It's funny that you'd make that comparison because the first time I had a German kolsch I thought, "This is the beer you wish Budweiser tasted like." My apologies to the folks at Bud.

 

That's great news. Miracles can happen. I'm happy for you and happy that I am now able to get this bottled too. Thankfully, that beer is in good company with the others in that box.

 

I consider it as perseverance pays off!

And they are in 12 ounce bottles no less!!

Cheers!!