Today is a 3 for 1. Not only are you getting a review of a great beer, but two little (related) lessons. So what is up with this beer? It’s a Kölsch, which is the beer of choice in Köln, Germany. Kölsch is an ale (which is to say, top fermenting yeast, warm fermentation), which gets aged (“to age”, the verb, is “lager” in German). This means you get a complex ale, that has a quick clean finish. Smooth, but with upfront malts and hops. Very cool.
Notice the picture? That neat tall thin glass? Well, if you’re familiar with beer glassware, you probably see what is going on here. Brewers are a bit crazy about glassware. Wheat beers are generally served in tall tulip shaped glasses. Most of the old Belgian brewers have their own glass design, generally with a conical bottom to let the lees settle so you can drink most of the beer. Before you think it’s only wacky Europeans who get all hung-up on glasses, you should know everyman hero Jim Koch, of the Boston Beer Company (makers of Sam Adams and a variety of other really good beers) spent a heap of money on engineer-types to design the Sam Adams glass, which includes such features as curled rim to deliver beer to the front of your tongue, tulip shape to concentrate the aromas, etched bottom to promote constant carbonation, the list goes on (check out http://www.samueladams.com/enjoy-our-beer/tasting-eval/function-over-form.aspx for the full deal. You will need to prove your age twice to get in. God Bless America). So back to the subject today, Kölsch. Kölsch MUST be served in a very specific glass. A tall, narrow glass, with *very* think walls. Yes, it’s not a full pint (mine measures in at exactly 300ml to the rim, traditionally they would have only been 200ml), but Kölsch is best served on tap or cask, at cellar temperature (about 10C), so smaller servings means you are less likely to have the beer warm up too much. If you find yourself in Köln, drink as much of this as you can, and look for Wieß, unfiltered Kölsch. By the way, if you want some Kölsch glasses for yourself, you need not go to Germany. You see, the biggest tool trade-show in the world is in Köln, Germany. Why do I bring this up? The good folks at Lee Valley Tools go every year, and have fallen in love with Kölsch. So they import Kölsch glasses, which can be bought for Ikea-like prices. One dozen for $13.50. Check http://www.leevalley.com/en/gifts/page.aspx?p=45168&cat=4,104,64483 for more info.
Gaffel Kölsch
From a 500ml bottle with a best-before date, the beer pours a nice lemon peel yellow. Good bubbly head with active carbonation. The aroma is earthy hops and warm grains. Hints of hay and a touch of mineral. Makes me feel like I’m driving in the country with my windows down. Taste is hoppier then I expected though not very bitter, with more of the mineral and a nice sweetness that comes in after the initial hop, followed by the expected quick clean finish. The beer is light in the mouth, with nice bubbles, and a crisp feeling on the palate after it’s gone. I could drink this beer all day. Makes me want to go to Köln. Prost!
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