It is time to pit one canned Kolsch vs another.
Who will win when Maui Brewing Kihei Kolsch takes on Flat Tail Tailgater of Corvallis, Oregon. Both new to L.A. shelves.
Design – hands down win for Maui with the striking Germanic colors over a rendering of their Kihei taproom. Tailgater has the Orange State of Oregon but little else.
Color – slight edge to Maui. A little more eye candy lacing than the Flat Tail.
Aroma – Tailgater smells more traditional. A little too much spice in the Kihei. Edge to Corvallis.
Taste – Kihei is bright with orange notes and spice character much like an orange pekoe tea. Tailgater is crisp and clean with with just the right touch of viscosity and citrus notes.
Verdict – if you are looking for a clean and crisp Kolsch without bells and whistles than Flat Tail is the choice. If you are looking for a Kolsch evocative of the islands than the Maui Brewing can is for you.