The Great Beer Company

Golden amber color, good clarity, slight haziness from wheat; the foam is firm, while the carbonation is relatively light. It’s clear from the nose that this beer is sweeter than usual, hinting at sugary, with very light fruitiness, and a faint perfume aroma. Light bodied, smooth in texture, nice crispness and light carbonation. Sugary aroma reconfirms on first sip, while there’s a much more appealing red apple fruitiness. Balanced into the sweetness, there’s also an elegant dryness that runs right through the palate, which works very well, turning to a tangy bitterness half way through. This does result in a pleasantly bitter aftertaste that lingers around the back half of the palate. The sugary flavor seems a little manufactured, but otherwise this is a very well balanced ale. It’s certainly fuller in flavor than other Kölsch beers I’ve tried (all of which were US versions), and very enjoyable, even if they did cheat on the formula a little. At the same time, it does manage to hold the refreshing crispness that makes Kölsch an essential summertime brew.

If I were judging as a Kölsch it may score a little lower but otherwise very enjoyable.