Sixpoint to release Köld Schauer

It was draft-only for a while....

already landed!

 

The beer in the posted photos doesn't look like Reissdorf or any kölsch I've had in Köln, definitely much darker, more like some märzens. I look forward to trying the beer though, especially with the brewer's comments about more bitterness and esters, to see how it compares to other kölsch beers I've had here and in Germany.

And thanks for the responses about the beer itself @Sixpoint.

 

I’ll admit to skimming the last 30 posts, but am always interested in Sixpoint’s interpretations of beers. I’ll generally give them a try, but have mixed responses. Curious on the Huell Melon, myself, given my experience with the hop in the past. Guessing we’ll have some reviews to compare soon enough.

 

This has hit Hampton Roads (well, the TW in Norfolk got it)

 

The filters do not really do it justice, but it definitely is more of a deep gold color. I do want to make it clear though that our intent was never to imitate this classic style, but rather to do our own fresh interpretation of it using our best available resources....which is the general approach we take to all beers.

@herrburgess

We can see your perspective, but we thought this particular hop strain really integrated well into this style of beer. Exceedingly well actually.

 

Did y'all use the Schill Koelsch malt to get that color?

 

I'm glad you asked @herrburgess

We actually used a traditional Palatinate malt - which is an incredible malt with a distinctive flavor. The one issue with it though is its tendency to provide a little bit of sulfur in the finished product, which we found a bit off-putting.

As a result, what we did is increase the kettle pressure to really drive an intense boil, and that solved the problem by driving off all of the undesirable volatile compounds. But, it also cooked the wort a bit more, which lended to a slightly darker color.

In our opinion, it was most definitely worth it, and the proof is in the clean taste.

@JackHorzempa

 

Great name

 

I just drank one of each side-by-side. To my palate, the differences between the two are subtle. The most noticeable difference is in appearance, the kolsch is a shade darker and pours with a LOT more head. Taste-wise, they have a slightly different hop profile, but the overall drinking experience is dominated by the malt and lagering profiles in each, which are very similar. The Crisp is slightly more bitter to me, but I never would notice it if I wasn't looking for it.

I have no complaints though, I think both of these beers are excellent!

 

Shane,

If I can find this beer at my local beer retailers I will most definitely buy it and provide you with my feedback. Based upon past experience I give my chances of finding this beer as 50/50 and that is an optimistic estimate.

Cheers!

Jack

 

Thank you for providing your input here.

Cheers!

 

I think that it is important that you share this story with us.

 

I'm finally getting around to trying it tonight-

Sorry for the crappy photo, but it's too late to take another and I figured that at least it shows the color accurately (they never look this bad on my phone ).

It's not like any 'classic Kolsch' that I've had, but I wouldn't take that as gospel as I haven't been to Koln. It may be safe to say that it leans on the hoppy side, though. I think they got the feel right- it's dry and crisp with a really nice mouthfeel for the style (like 2% milk, maybe). There's plenty of malt flavor to stand up to those hops, too, deep and bready, especially by the bottom of the glass.

The hop character is a slight twist, but not in a crazy way. It's certainly spicy, but I'm also getting some kumquat, plum and something honeyish. Some of that can also be from the yeast, I guess. Bitterness is actually pretty aggressive for a Kolsch, but it's a clean bitterness and it doesn't cross over into anything unpleasant when it comes to drinkability.(*)

Overall I dig it and have no problem with calling it a 'Kolsch-Style Ale'. It certainly comes across more Pils-like than Pale Ale-like. I look forward to the remaining cans, and will be back for more.

(*)- looking at the can after taking notes, I'm surprised to see that it's only 23 IBU considering how hard it hit me. Then again, I'm just getting over a cold so something still may be out of whack on my end fwiw.

 

To @TongoRad, I trust your judgement well. I know this will be an enjoyable beer, and subtle Kolsch is tough to re-create. The spice note that you mention is most telling. When I pour a real Kolsch- Reissdorf, Sunner, or others- there is often a real not quite ginger-like herbal background messing with the gorgeous malt and hop fandango that is just perfect. These are often the best and most enjoyable beers!

 

@TongoRad , nice glass my friend. My impressions had quite a lot in common with yours, and naturally some big differences too.

I also thought that it was unlike any German Kolsch that I've had... but at the same time, I find Muhlen very different from Sunner and so on.

This beer wanted to make a nice big head. The color was surprisingly dark... approaching light copper. The feel of this beer was thin but very slick.

The taste was slightly tart. There's some spicy bitterness in the finish, but for me it wasn't out of place for a Kolsch. For me, the Huell Melon hops definitely contributed their namesake melon notes. The hops in this beer provided a lot of character. The malt contributed some mild toasty flavor, but not in a bold way. The malt felt a bit one-note.

While this beer had a lager cleanliness and did not feel like it was nearing ale territory, it felt like it didn't have quite the same level of lager cleanliness as some German Kolsch beers.

Overall, the balance of flavors here weren't really my cup of tea (just a personal thing), but I appreciate Sixpoint deciding to brew this beer. I'm four beers into my sixer.

Prost

 

Since we've had appearances by the Früh stange glass (@TongoRad) and Gaffel (@zid), I have to throw my hat into the ring with the Reissdorf.



Lots of good comments already in this thread that I think describe the beer well. First off, the beer looks awesome! The head lasted forever off of the initial pour. The color is exactly the same as what I got from a recently homebrewed Kölsch, where I only used German pilsner malt. Aroma is full of spicy hops with an odd fruitiness to them that's hard to put my finger on. I wouldn't guess melon though if I didn't know about the Huell Melon hops. Maybe some kind of berry? The hops are strong in the flavor as well, and I was surprised too by the 23 IBU. Seems like much more. Despite that, the malt provides ample body. It finishes dry with a lingering bitterness to it that leaves behind a chalky texture.

Definitely different from a traditional Kölsch, which isn't a knock on it. I do like that it's a lively, flavorful, unique take on the style. There's a little too much of a spicy kick from the hops which in turn prevents a smooth finish, but otherwise it's enjoyable. Thankful to have a fresh Kölsch-style bier available.

 

dang I thought is was great name/semi-analagram/play on words

@Sixpoint I see I was your last trade a couple years back, can you come out of retirement for @Urk1127 ?

also how is the fight for Montana distro going? you could be cutting edge and after visiting Denver for GABF now I notice even more how we have so few choices here

 

NICE!!! this should be great since Six Point has yet to let me down.