No love for Kolsch?

Some. I'm not a fan of yeast that imparts clove or similar flavors. As for Pilsner, I'm convinced I just don't love Saaz hops.

 

It's probably not available outside of Indiana, but Daredevil's Kolsch is outstanding.

 

I had a really nice Kolsch at Dangerous Man in MSP this week. Great quencher.

 

I agree. It's one thing to "Americanize" a kolsch - I'd personally love to see one with Motueka hops along with the traditional German hops - but when you start dumping in a bunch of adjuncts, you transform what can be a truly awesome and nuanced style into simply a vehicle for some other outside flavor.

 

Hey, if it gets people to try lagers, I'm all for it. Kolsch, helles, and pilsners tend to sell poorly in the states. I'd rather adjuncts get added for now then the styles be abandoned all together. A necessary "evil" of sorts.

Edit: And yes, I know kolsch is technically an ale

 

I think that they actually sell a lot better than most people think. A ton of drinkers (and especially those who enjoy craft beer, but might not bother with a site like BA) buy these styles by the case. One of the primary failure of this site's user base, in my opinion, is the lack of appreciation for anything lighter than a pale ale. I understand rating both by style and by personal enjoyment, but it seems that most people put a cap of a 3.85 on both of these styles even for the very best examples, simply because they aren't an imperial stout, a sour, or an IPA.

 

Or maybe you're just not noticing those that don't use strange ingredients and so fly under the radar not getting much attention from BAs?

 

I've sampled 18 Kolsch's so far and Sierra Nevada's is far and away my highest rated. Usually German breweries have my top vote for most all styles but SN's seems to be on a whole other plane.

 

Just enjoyed a Mango from Clown Shoes.

 

SN nailed this year's Kolsch and Oktoberfest. They're putting other US breweries to shame when it comes to"lager" styles

 

@bubseymour @kellyst @Roguer if y'all ever get a chance (maybe a trade from SC or visit to myrtle beach or charleston), try 32/50 - probably the best kölsch, traditional or adjunct-laden, made in this country and one of a select few better than SN. One of the top 10 beers I've had.

 

Yes, the Kolsch that Sierra Nevada included in their Summer mix it very tasty and fairly true to the style IMO..

This is one of those perfect styles that pretty much everyone can appreciate. Mild/Flavorful/Lite

 

So happy with the way my home-brewed kolsch turned out. Lots of rave reviews. Very drinkable which is a big plus! Here is the label I made for it.

 

I found this Washington Post story via the Chicago Tribune, all about Kölsch and Alt... from a U.S. beer drinker's perspective.

What stood out as I read the story was this early segment addressing Kölsch:

Says who? Another self-proclaimed "beer aficionado who can only drink a beer that grabs him by the hair and slams his head into the bar?

That statement is so far from accurate it's greatly laughable. Why can't someone look on beer as "refreshing?" Many are meant to be just that -- especially Kölsch. I've been passionate about good beer for over 30 years, I guess that makes me some sort of aficionado, and I know that beer can run the gamut of many characteristics, but "refreshing" is probably the biggest draw for the beverage -- even if it's a Kölsch or Imperial Stout.

 

Reissdorf is the standard bearer, I would say.

 

How about "Refreshing is not a compliment in the minds of the modern craft beer drinker, but beer aficionados know what's what." ?

 

Thanks for the bottle. Can't wait to try it Thursday night after work!