Lake Superior Kayak Kölsch

During a trip to the north shore I got a 6 pack of this at a liquor store in Tofte, MN. I drank 4 of them and managed to take 2 home with me. Somehow that number dwindled to one, so I figured I’d review it. I poured the beer into a glass and it was very flat, barely any head. This could be due to the long road trip home it had, but I’m not sure. It smelled like a typical american lager but a little more fresh or “golden”. First taste revealed that it did taste a little on the flat side, but that could be part of the recipe. It has a mild, crisp taste that doesn’t last long in your mouth. Seems to be a good malt/hop balance with a little more of the malt showing through. The after-taste is faintly bitter and I noticed a tonic water type of taste. It reminded me of a higher quality American lager with less carbonation. Was very very drinkable, you could finish off a 6 pack of this on a hot summer day quite easily.

After checking reviews I noticed that there is some inconsistency in the carbonation, and many reviews note that. Many reviewers comment that a Kolsch is supposed to be a “light refreshing ale” so it seems to hit its mark. Most people comment on its light fruit taste which I didn’t seem to notice unless it was very faint. The overall feeling I got from reading reviews on it were “an ale that drinks like a lager”. I think sums up this beer best, and the next time I’m in the Lake Superior area I’ll try it again.

Amy’s comments

(My wife Amy, hates beer. So as part of the reviews I’m forcing her to smell and taste each beer and get her comments.)

“that’s nasty”

“smells like an Opal”

“tastes like leafy compost”