5B: Kolsch

Question 1

Overall Impression

Answer 1

A clean, crisp, delicately-balanced beer usually with a very subtle fruit and hop character. Subdued maltiness throughout leads into a pleasantly well-attenuated and refreshing finish. Freshness makes a huge difference with this beer, as the delicate character character can fade quickly with age. Brilliant clarity is a key characteristic.

Question 2

Aroma

Answer 2

Malt: Low to very low, grainy-sweet character
Esters: Subtle fruit (apple, cherry, pear) is acceptable
Hops: Low floral, spicy, or herbal hop aroma is optional,
but not out of style
Yeast: Slight wine-like or sulfur character, this is also
optional, but not a fault

Question 3

Appearance

Answer 3

Very pale gold to light gold. Very clear. Delicate white head that may not persist

Question 4

Flavor

Answer 4

Malt: grainy-sweet, possibly very light bready or honey
Hops: low to moderately high, most in the middle with a
herbal, spicy, floral character
May have a malty-sweet impression at the start.
No noticeable residual sweetness.
May have slight wine-like, minerally, or sulfury accent that accentuates dryness and flavor balance.
A slight wheat taste is rare but not a fault.

Question 5

Balance

Answer 5

Soft, rounded palate. Balance between soft but attenuated malt, an almost imperceptible fruity sweetness from fermentation, and medium-low to medium bitterness with a delicate dryness and slight crispness in the finish.

Question 6

Mouthfeel

Answer 6

Medium-light to medium body. Medium to medium-high carbonation. Smooth and generally crisp and well attenuated.

Question 7

Vital Stats

Answer 7

OG: 1.044-1.050
FG: 1.007-1.011
ABV: 4.4-5.2%
IBUs: 18-30
SRM: 3.5-5