Nine Mile Hrbie’s Grand Slam Kolsch

 

9 Mile Hrbie’s Grand Slam Kolsch. 

5.2 % ABV, Nine Mile Brewing, Bloomington, MN. 

Clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: minor hops, slightly sweet and malty, fragrant and fruity. 

In the mouth: small bitterness up front, then all is smooth and light bodied. Delicate fruitiness delights the palate throughout the drink. Slips ever so easily down the throat. 

Named for legendary ‘80’s/‘90’sTwins first baseman Kent Hrbek who once played in Bloomington in the old Met Stadium, and still lives there. And now apparently drinks there, probably ordering “my beer” whenever he stops in the brewery. I know I would. 

We've really hit it out of the park with this one, y'all. Brewed in collaboration with (and named for) Bloomington's own hometown hero, Hrbie's Grand Slam is an easy drinking kölsch perfect for sipping whether you're on the diamond or in our taproom.

A grist of pilsner, Vienna, and white wheat with a sprinkle of sour malt make up the body of this beer, creating a lightly grainy background, where a blend of Altus and Saphir hops provide balance and subtle noble floral aromas that allow the wonderfully fruity characteristics of the kölsch yeast strain to shine through. Crisp, clean, and utterly crushable, this collaboration (like its namesake) is one for the ages.

Arbeiter Cranberry Arbeiter

Arbeiter Cranberry Arbeiter. 

5 % ABV, 20 IBU, Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

And now we have a beer that maybe I should've opened up last week, on Thanksgiving Day. Or at any time in the last five days. It matters not why or how not, but I'd better drink it up quick, I've got three more Arbeiter beers to get to, so let's get to drinking. 

It's a cranberry version of their "light ale", sometimes referred to as a kölsch, but not necessarily by them. 

Clear, deep crimson coloring, small white head. 

In the nose: There's the berries. All-cranberry, nothing but. Not too tart, though. 

In the mouth: Here it is on the palate as well. Bit of a bout between tart and sweet, but it's mostly pleasant. Little bitterness, minor malt. Not much happening underneath the fruit. Light bodied, clean, slightly tart, simple. 

I would have taken this to my family gathering, but instead I met up with friends. Was I thinking that it wouldn't have gone over as well with my beer nerd friends, or was it just that I wanted to bring more interesting beers to our get together? 

I think the answer is both. 

Junkyard Bustin' Surf Boards Kölsch

Junkyard Bustin' Surf Boards Kölsch.

5.3 % ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

As I've said many times, I've become bored and disenchanted by all the hazies, and have no love for all the fruity sours with marshmallows and such. So, any time a brewery that only puts out beers like that sends something into to the world that belongs to quite a different category, I'll be there for it. And if Junkyard makes a Kölsch, you know I'm down. Let's crack a growler and see how it is. 

Clear, bright yellow, slim white head. 

In the nose: Soft, delicate, light floral hops, slight fruitiness. 

In the mouth: Crisp and clean, lightly fruity, some citrus, a bit of apple, a sliver of pear. Light bodied and exquisitely refreshing and drinkable. The flavors are delicate, but delightful. Minor hops and bitterness, but with every sip, it's nothing but delicious. This one nails all the essential aspects of a Kölsch, and I'm to have tasted it. It's a straight-forward, true to style Kölsch. Cheers to Junkyard!

Bustin’ Surf Boards is a Kölsch created with primarily German ingredients and hopped with Hallertau and Saphir hops! This golden Kölsch has a brilliant clarity and a gnarly combination of crisp and biscuity flavors, followed by a slight hint of fruity goodness, making it oh-so-drinkable! 

Früh Kölsch

 Früh Kölsch.

4.8% ABV, 19 IBU. Cölner Hofbräu Früh, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany

So, I was thinking about the trends in the current beer scene, and how they annoy me, and I thought to myself, "Self", I thought, "why not just avoid them altogether for a while and go traditional?" Good idea, Self! And that's why I bought some German beers the other day, including a 4-pack of Früh Kölsch cans, only $10.99. Why, with some of these trendy, gimmicky beer makers that would only get you half of a 4-pack of diabetes!

I first had Früh from a bottle brought over from Deutschland by one of my Blue Nile regulars, way back in 2003. I gave it a 4.17/5, roughly 9 points above the average. What did I say back then? 

Appeance: pale yellow, bordering on green, with a firm 1/2" collar of foam.

Aroma: fresh, light, delicately hoppy, rather minor in size, but with appreciable fruity notes, which continue on the palate, once the tasting begins.

Light, but lively, happy, with a tangible tangy, citric fruit flavor, and perhaps a touch of apple or pear.

After so many American interpretations, it's great to taste a true kolsch and know once and for all how they should taste. This is a classic, extremely downable, light in body, but with just enough flavor, sweet and lemony, to be worthwhile, and to have me wish this 500 ml bottle would never empty.

Thanks to my pal Dave for bringing it over to the States for me!

What do I think of it compared to the cans I'm drinking now? Surely that sample was fresher, having taken a quicker trip from Cologne to Minneapolis and down into my belly. But that aside, it's the same light, tasty, fruity refresher. 

I like a good kölsch, and this is one of them. 

(Another quick note, because I am obsessed with these things, though they may bore others. About 10 years ago, I reviewed a Sünner Kölsch, and regretted that I hadn't a proper glass, only a Reissdorf Kolsch glass to use. Probably got it from that time I had it on tap at the Blue Nile back in 2004. Last December, I sat down to review a Kolsch from Waldmann, and rued that I hadn't any Kolsch glasses, not even a Reissdorf. I've looked all over, it's gone, broken, send to the dustbin of history. I used a saison glass for that one. This time, I picked the closest I have to the style of glassware, which again was designed for a saison by a Belgian brewery. I'd better get a Kolsch glass already to cure me of this obsession!)

From the recipe by Peter Josef Früh of the family brewery, this top-fermented specialty beer features the best ingredients and is brewed according to the German Purity Law. A favourite beer of Cologne, which became one of the city’s original.

Arbeiter Bier

Arbeiter Bier. 

5.5 % ABV, 22 IBU. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

This is called a "light ale" on their website, but categorized as "Kölsch" on Untappd. We'll see what's what.

Clear, bright golden color, large and lasting ivory toned head. 

In the nose: light, delicate fruity flavors unravel. Apple, pear, white grapes. Very Kölsch-esque.

In the mouth: More of the apple/pear flavors on the palate. Minor bitterness, light malt, incredible downablility. Effortless and easy. Starts fruity and ends on the dry side. Flavorful meets drinkable in a very big way. Does taste very much in the kolsch vein. It's beer that tastes like beer. Go drink it. 

Light Ale

ABV 5.5% | 22 IBU

A beer for the people! A beer designed for those who are looking for just “beer”, as well as those looking for a palate refresher in-between hop, sweet, or sour bombs.

It’s the perfect first and last beer of your session. It’s light and balanced, with a restrained cracker-like malt profile and a hint of noble hop character.

Waldmann Kölsch Light Lagered Ale

Waldmann Kölsch Light Lagered Ale.

6% ABV, 20 IBU. Waldmann Brewery, St. Paul, MN. 

Let's drink a kölsch, shall we, from a reputable local German style brewery, and not dwell on the fact that I have no kölsch glasses. I'll use the next best thing, a Willi Becher style, and hope that no one notices the difference, although, now that I said it, you will. It'll stick out like that ol' sore thumb, and I'll be so ashamed of myself for not owning a kölsch glass. Not even a Reissdorf? Come on! And somehow, I'll survive. 

Slightly hazed, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: light, delicate, fruity, floral. Apples and pears. 

In the mouth: Crisp, clean, moderate, refreshing. Slight sweetness, minor bitterness. Smooth and mellow, easy-drinking. It's kölsch as kölsch should be. More apple and pear. (Word to the wise: if you can't find apple & pear in your kölsch, send it back!) Lovely, and a delight to drink down. Don't ever pass this one up. You hear me? 

A light bodied beer with a soft mouthfeel and a straw yellow color. This unique style is fermented using an ale yeast, and lagered to develop a clean, fruity, and delicately balanced dry finish. A thirst quenching beer equally as refreshing on a warm summer day as a crisp fall evening.

Falling Knife Key Club Key Lime Kolsch

Falling Knife Key Club Key Lime Kolsch.
5.3 % ABV. Falling Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright yellow, slim white head.

In the nose: bold, assertive lime notes overcome anything else that would be apparent in an everyday kolsch. (Which, otherwise, would be playing it nice and delicate, anyway.)

In the mouth: Little bit of malt deliciousness at first, little to no hop bitterness, and then that splash of lime. Not as obtrusive on the palate as in the nose. Slight sweetness, just enough of the fruit and the citrus, and tart as you want. Slightly salty. Light bodied, smooth drinking, and absolutely smothered in lime.

I'm a critical type, and I draw the line here and there. I'm also protective of certain styles. Kolsch is one of them. This one is much limier than I like. There really shouldn't be hardly any lime in it.
All in all, I'd just rather kolsches be kolsches.
Aside from that, this is a nice beer. Good limey kolsch and you can drink it.

Refreshing Kolsch-Style Beer With A Hint of Lime.

Summit Cabin Crusher Kolsch-style Ale with Lime

Summit Cabin Crusher Kolsch-style Ale with Lime. 4.8 % ABV. 30 IBU.
Summit Brewing, St. Paul, MN.

Lightly clouded, bright golden, lasting ivory head.

In the nose: Soft and subtle, lime sticks out.

In the mouth: From first sip, lime doesn't merely "stick out", it's in command. Lean bodied, light and easy-drinking. A splash of summer, long before we get there. Juicy, fruity, utterly quenchable.

I'm not crazy about kolsch being the new style that gets all fruited up, these days. And I don't think I need this much lime. Just me, though. I'm certain plenty of them will be crushed at plenty of cabins.

Low in alcohol, lightly hopped and high in carbonation and drinkability, Summit Cabin Crusher is a traditional Kölsch-style ale spiked with fresh lime peel and puree, plus lemon-lime citrus-forward hops from the U.S., including Lemon Drop and Loral varieties. Balanced by malt flavors and aromas of honey, biscuit and toast, the end result is a crisp, thirst-quenching ale perfect for hot days in Cabin Country. Slightly hazy in appearance, floral notes lead to huge citrus rind aromas of lemon and lime.

Dogfish Head The Perfect Disguise Double IPA

Dogfish Head The Perfect Disguise Double IPA. 8% Alc. by Vol. 70 IBU.
Dogfish Head Brewery, Milton, DE.

Clear, bright golden color, slim white head.

In the nose: Popping with tropical notes and citrus, too. Clean and cool.

In the mouth: A flood of flavors, a blast of bitter and fruit. Starts fruity, ends dry. Crisp, smooth, with plenty of bitter. I went into this forgetting what I knew, with only the label art as my guide. Hops lurking inside a jolly German? Now, I sneak peek and I remember, it's the double IPA with kolsch yeast, right? Yeah, and it's working. Getting some stone fruit, some tropical, and plenty of bitterness.

I'm liking this a lot. Dogfish is at it again, and my cap is off to them for continuing to innovate.

On the surface, The Perfect Disguise looks like a straightforward Kölsch with a crisp Kölsch yeast and traditional German malts and hops … but things aren’t always what they seem. With a quick sniff and a slight sip, you’re greeted by a creamy mouthfeel and full body thanks to the addition of a unique German chit malt - the first hint that this beer may be somewhat different.

Hiding deeper behind that German disguise is the double dry-hopping of an American Double IPA, with nearly 4 lbs. of German and American hops per barrel. It brings tropical flavors of citrus, tangerine, mango, gooseberries and peach.

Ballast Point Tart Peach Kolsch

Ballast Point Tart Peach Kolsch. German-style ale with natural flavors. All. 5.2% by Vol. Ballast Point Brewing, San Diego, CA.

Clear, peach-colored, slim head.

In the nose: it's peach-y! (And little else.)

In the mouth: Tart grips the palate at first sip, and then in rushes the sweet, peach flavors. Slightly bitter on the tongue, until sweet peach rushes in. It's a little tango between the tart and the fruit. With the smooth character of a kolsch below. Light-bodied, easy drinker.

However, this is just me, maybe. I don't want sour/tart and peach to go hand in hand. Maybe you do, though, and this may be the best beer you'll ever drink. For me, it's nice, thirst-quenching treat.

Our Tart Peach Kölsch is a fresh take on one of our very first beers. The juicy aroma and flavor of ripe peach complements the subtle fruitiness from the Kölsch yeast in this bright, refreshing ale. Add a tickle of tartness to round out the senses, and you get a new brew that’s interestingly delightful.

Inbound Laser Loon Kolsch

Inbound BrewCo. Laser Loon Kolsch. Brewed and canned in the North Loop.  Inbound BrewCo., Minneapolis, MN. 4.3% ABV, 22 IBU.

Warning: I may say the following again. I've had a crowler of an Inbound Kolsch before. But this is the first time I've had one from a 12 ounce can with the name of Laser Loon. Is it the same? Is it different? Both? Neither? Let's find out.

Clear, pale golden color, slim, but staying ivory head. Looking good.

In the nose: Light. Faint. Slightly fruity. A touch floral. Nice.

In the mouth: Slightly hoppy. Just a touch fruity. Requisite delicate apple and pear notes. Light bodied, and exquisitely easy drinking. Dainty and delicious. Mmm. This is all kinds of nice. You can drink it, and drink it, and drink it without worrying about nothing. Delightful.

Glancing at the earlier review, hmmm, ...yeah. Pretty much.

German style, refreshing lightness. Bright honey and grain malt notes. Crisp hop balance from subtle lemon-herbal and floral aromas.

Surly Heat Slayer Kolsch-style beer

Surly Heat Slayer Kolsch-style beer. 5% ABV. Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. Available in the summer sample pack or on tap.

This beer came with a letter. So many funny things in it that I'm going to share it with you at the bottom. And none of them appear on the can. More hilarity there. It's all so small I can't even read it. Maybe I'll try it later. For now, I'm anxious to taste this one, I'm a fan of kolsches done right, so let's crack open that can, and check it out.

Clear, bright golden color, small but lasting head of ivory foam above. Looking very nice.

In the nose: light and floral, slightly grainy, just a touch of fruity sweetness, way off in the distance.

In the mouth: Crisp, dry, just a touch bitter. A little bit of fruit, melon, apple, backed up with a smack of hops. Light and easy drinking. Very mellow, very cool.

So this one is light, dry, crisp and, yes, "crushable", as everyone likes to say these days. Some day they'll tire of it. I hope. And it's a bit hoppier than I'd prefer, but this is the Surly way, after all. A purist would condemn it. I'm not that much of a purist, but I could go with a little less bitter, and more from apple and pear. Those delicate fruit notes that the kolsch yeast gives, in the true interpretation. Which this is not. (Help! I'm caught in a time loop!)

Again, though, this is the Surly interpretation. They never said they'd be true to style. And I could definitely toss a few back without a quarrel.

The mercury climbs, the humidity oppresses, and the sun bakes. Our solution? HeatSlayer, a crisp, refreshing answer to the summer swelter.

MALT
Pilsner, Wheat, Acidulated Malt, Carafoam
HOPS
Spalt Select
YEAST
Kolsch German Ale Yeast
OG
11.5
COLOR Straw-Yellow

Inbound BrewCo Kolsch

Inbound Kolsch. 4.3%. 22 IBU. Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, light, bright golden color, large ivory head, looking very nice.

In the nose: floral, fruity, apple and pear aplenty.

In the mouth: lightness and fruit, apple and pear again, nice and easy hop bitterness, lean malt body. Perfect for the style. Bitter-enough, malty enough, light enough. Just right on. Easy drinking, light, and tasty. I like a good kolsch, and this one is one. Delightful and drinkable. I like it.

German style, refreshing lightness. Bright honey and grain malt notes. Crisp hop balance from subtle lemon-herbal and floral aromas.

Utepils Copacetic Kolsch

Utepils Copacetic Kolsch. European-style. Utepils (ooh-ta-pilz) Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. "Brilliantly clear with subtle hop and malt characters." 4.9% ABV, 25 IBU.

Here's the first Utepils beer in the Nib. I brought home a growler and took notes on it when I first saw the brewery back in February, but never published them. I intended to do them with the MN Breweries One by One post, that I've been procrastinating on. I'd better get to that.

Clear, bright golden color, slim, soon-gone white head.

In the nose: Hitting the right notes, apple and pear, nice and light and delicate, low bitterness, clean and lovely.

In the mouth: Light bitterness, lean malt body, crisp, clean and tasty. This is hitting it right where you want it. Sure to be a great summertime pleaser. Or anytime, really.

This may not be my top all-time local kolsch, as it's a bit too light and watery. There's not a thing wrong with it, otherwise. Certainly crisp and refreshing. Copacetic is the way to go.

FLY TO NEW FLAVOR HEIGHTS WITH A SIP OF THIS SUBTLE HOP AND MALT BLEND. THIS STRAW-COLORED BREW GETS ITS BRILLIANT HUES FROM BARLEY GROWN NEAR THE CITY KÖLN, GERMANY.

Utepils is a Minneapolis craft brewery steeped in the traditions of the European brewmasters. Our sophisticated yet timeless brews pair well with friends and a sunny outlook on life. Our beers are inspired from around the world but brewed locally for you."

Huh. I guess their target market aren't curmudgeonly loners, then. Good to know.

Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative Community Kolsch

Community Kolsch. Broken Clock. Minneapolis, MN. 5% ABV, 28 IBU.

Several weeks ago, I told you all to stay tuned to the next in the series of Broken Clock samples, and, man, can I procrastinate. So, I finally got around to it, and it was worth the wait.


Slightly hazed, bright golden color, slim white head atop.

In the nose: Right on the money. Apple and pear. Delicate. Light. Fruity. Small bitterness. Delightful.

In the mouth: Little bit of hop bitterness, then fresh and lightly fruity and refreshing as it gets. Light bodied, lean, crisp, delicious. Yum, I say. This tastes exactly like a true and good kolsch should.

I've said it before, and I say it again: this style of beer is one that I feel should be done very well or not at all, and shouldn't be subject to experimentation and interpretation. The last beer from Broken Clock, out of all the samples I'd been sent, was the "coffee kolsch" and I desperately wanted to learn that they could make a real and true one. And they have, and they do, and I doff my hat to them for this.

I have two more Broken Clock samples left to go. I hope I like them as much as I like this one.

Broken Clock 2Brew Coffee Kolsch

I've reviewed a couple of American versions of the German light ale style from Koln called kolsch recently, and now here's one from a new Minneapolis brewery with a home brewing theme. It's also the second Minneapolis brewery working on a collective model. I still haven't been to this brewery which took over the space that 56 Brewing was in, haven't visited the taproom, but I do have samples from the brewery, and now I'll share the notes on the second bottle I opened.

Broken Clock Coffee Kolsch. AKA 2 : Brew. 5% ABV. 28 IBU. Bottled on 5/31.

Clear, lightish amber coloring, small white head.

In the nose: Hey, there's coffee in there. And some fruity esters beneath.

In the mouth: Coffee tastes dominate the flavor profile here. Gritty, earthy, yet smooth. Little touch of hops. Light-bodied, long malty finish. None of the qualities of a kolsch really show themselves, outside of light body and high drinkability.

Here's the thing. There are some styles I think shouldn't be messed, tinkered, and toyed around with. Make it pure, don't screw it up. Kolsch is one of those for me, also hefe weizens and pilsners. But now we this trend of adding coffee flavors to lighter bodied beer style, like lagers, golden ales, lagers and the like. I'm a little torn by this, but I'd really want to know how they'd make a true kolsch, that's what I'd like to judge them against. I can't say I'm against the coffee-ing of a kolsch if I like it being done to others styles, but when you say "kolsch", I don't want different flavors, I want the light, delicate subtle fruit and hops.

That said, not a bad beer in the slightest. Got two more in the sample selection, stayed tuned Bitter Ones.

Left Hand Travelin' Light Kolsch

Another Kolsch? Yeah, another kolsch! As long as they're good and kolsch-y, bring them on!

Left Hand Travelin' Light Kolsch-style Ale. Brewed / Canned by Left Hand Brewing, Brewed on the banks of the mighty St. Vrain, Est. 1993. Longmont, CO, USA. 4.8% ABV, 22 IBU. Ingredients Rocky Mountain Water, Malted Barley, Malted Wheat, Hops, Yeast.

Lightly hazed, bright golden-hued, pure white head, leaving a little lace.

In the nose: light fruity notes, lemon, pear, apple. Delicate and delightful. Slight spice.

In the mouth: Crisp and dry up at the front, then lightly fruity, stone fruit, some citrus, apple and pear. Then, turning dry at the end. Slight bitterness. Good and drinkable. Light bodied. Easy-breezy.

Boulevard American Kolsch

Boulevard American Kolsch. Boulevard Brewing, Kansas City, Missouri. 4.6% ABV. 18 IBU.

Clear, golden-hued, big white head.

In the nose: delicate, light fruity notes, apple & pear. Lightly hoppy. Very nice.

In the mouth: nice little hoppiness at the front, lean and clean, light bodied. Impeccable drinkability. Very subtle, and twice as tasty.

I like a good, refreshing kolsch and this is one of them.

Day Block Coffee Kolsch

It's been the year of unconventional coffee beers. Birch's on the Lake had a coffee golden ale that blew my mind, and then Insight made their own, Banshee Cutter. Modist had a bit hit on their hands with their coffee lager, First Call, and now, wow, here's a coffee kolsch from Day Block. I bought a crowler, and now I'm going to drink it.

5.7% ABV. 18 IBU. Day Block Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN.

Clear, bright golden coloring, slim white head.

In the nose: light malts, light hops, and here comes the coffee. Very nice.

In the mouth: light body, lean malts, little hops, but very perceptible coffee flavor. That's an understatement, actually. Quite tasty coffee flavors, laying on top of a smooth, easy-drinking ale, that loses a lot of the delicate characteristics of a kolsch. The coffee covers it all up. It's one way to do things, but not my favorite. I prefer a kolsch on it's own, and not some base beer to prop up other flavors.

Clown Shoes Mango American Kolsch

It happened again. I bought a 6-pack during the dog days os summer, drank the first five up like it's nothing, and saved the sixth to take notes on, and now it's looking at me, asking: "When? When will you drink me? Take those notes, already, damn you!" So, for the sake of this bottle, I'm doing it at last.

Clown Shoes Mango American Kolsch. Brewed by Clown Shoes Beer, Clifton Park, NY. All. 5.5% by Vol.

Hazy, bright golden, slim, pure white head. Beautiful.

Sweet, fruity nose. Mango's there, as well as other lighter fruit notes, and malt.

In the mouth: Smooth on the palate, light and malty, delicately delicious. Mango is judiciously used, also, giving just the right amount of flavor.This one does it, got to give it to them.

Gobbledygook: "We took a light, refreshing German beer style and bastardized it. This atypical kolsch is dry-hopped and has all natural mango flavor added. Warning: this beer is NOT Reinheitsgrebot!"