You could probably safely, have a blog dedicated just to collaboration beers. I feel that 2018 has set a new mark for duo brews. And here is another with the local Smog City crew heading from Torrance to Hawaii to make Star Maps Kolsch. This Kolsch is brewed with starfruit and rises to a fairly high for the style 6.1% ABV.
I will assume that it will pour at Smog City taprooms and that it will probably still be warm in LA when it comes out.
In the Name of Kolsch
Seattle’s Fremont Brewing (who has been sending a few cans and kegs L.A.’s way of late) will be releasing its Pride Kölsch in celebration of Pride month. The rainbow hued 16-ounce cans will be released in Southern California later in June and early July.
Other than the fact that Kölsch is perfect for an L.A. Summer day proceeds from Pride Kölsch sales will benefit the Trevor Project in Los Angeles.
Per the press release, Pride is “made with 2-Row Pale malt and White Wheat and Huell Melon and Loral hops, Pride Kölsch delivers a crisp, refreshing summer taste with hints of melon, berry, and orange peel. Refreshing and imminently accessible, Pride Kölsch is celebration in a glass.”
Naught but Kolsch
Being a born and bred Portlander (Defend the Rip City Land) while living in Los Angeles gives me a bit of dual perspective. I see breweries and beers and trends in one that could apply in the other and vice-versa.
Since Portland is further along the good beer curve than L.A, it usually means that I am wishing that we can “borrow” ideas from the north.
In that vein, Los Angeles needs to diversify festival wise before the same tired set of festivals repeat in 2018. Why we don’t have a Holiday Beer Fest yet is a mystery. But maybe due to our heat and lack of seasons a different option would be better….
I would love to push a Gose festival or Fruit Beer Festival (both of which PDX has had) but I think a full-on Kolsch Fest would be great. Break out some logo’d Stange glasses and drink a refreshing light beer under the sun.
As they say on MST3K, “what do you think sirs?”
Kolsch-Off
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.
Home Brew Review – (Maeby) Kolsch
This is a home brew review month bonus. But not from the same home brewer.
So my beer buddy Richard has made a 2nd effort at home brewing. His first an IPA that tasted like a pretty decent ESB set the bar high. And now after streaming seasons of Arrested Development his Maeby Kolsch is ready…
Well. This one needs some work. It pours a muddy orange color when I would expect a bright yellow. There is zero head after some weak soapy bubbles fade. The taste merely hints at Kolsch. It is weak and watery. It is almost like watered down lemonade/ice tea. Little to no aroma here. It isn’t offensive, per se, but it doesn’t scream beer to me. Tastes more like bad citrus tea.
Now what style will he try to brew next?
Burnside Lime Kölsch
Back in one of the monthly session postings that I participate in, I mentioned that I would love to see more kolsch and helles in the market. I have access to to cans of Hangar 24 Helles and now on my next visit to Portland, I can pick up this citrus kolsch from Burnside Brewing.
Session Fest
11 beers. All under 4.5 in alcohol. What does that equal?
A packed crowd at Eagle Rock Brewery.
I was lucky enough to snag a stool at the crowded bar thanks to my buddy Johnny who got their before me. The first flight had my two favorites of the day. A Kolsch that was simply amazing and my gold medal winner and the Tarte Noir which was their Solidarity beer aged in wine barrels and soured with lacto. But there was a nice range of styles from a best bitter to saison to light red’s. Plus these were all homebrew, special 5 barrel recipes.
I am hoping that they continue doing these and that some of these end up on the regular menu.
World Cup + World Beer – Germany
TODAY: GERMANY V. ARGENTINA
Germany did not get an easy road, did they? First they get England, who even when not playing well, are not an easy out. Then they get an Argentina squad that took apart a pretty good Mexico team.
My beer of choice for this tilt is a completely German style, kolsch. Fru Kolsch is a prime example of this light and refreshing brew.
If you have the appropriate glassware (it is called a stange which is German for pole). By all means use it. It really does affect the taste and aroma.
World Cup + World Beer – The Netherlands
TODAY: HOLLAND V. BRAZIL
OK. I am stating in advance that I am cheating here. The beer for this round of action comes from the US. But the brewer is NEW HOLLAND. See how tricky I am?
The beer is…well, let me have the brewery explain…”A kölsch-style beer, Full Circle is a refreshing celebration of our brewery’s belief in balance. The soft, well-rounded malt character, light hop profile and crisp finish bring us back around to the familiar tastes of classic, thirst-quenching beer. A perfect session beer, we recommend Full Circle with fish, grilled vegetables, grilled sausages, and just about anything else served on a patio.”
At 4.9 abv, you can watch the game with a few of these and still referee better than the officials this year.
Social Kitchen & Brewery
Another brewery in the City by the Bay. Social Kitchen & Brewery now joins the ranks.
Social Kolsch and and Alt bier are on the menu which is good to see.
The force behind this enterprise has been involved in SF Beer Week so good hands are guiding the wheel.