Cucumber Kölsch

Very subtle cucumber aroma presents itself as Honeydew Melon. Corn grist and grainy pilsner malt are joined by spicy noble hops along with very low levels of what I can only describe as “green.” If chlorophyll has an aroma, this would be it. A creamy white head laces the glass and lingers atop a brilliantly clear, light straw-colored beer. The flavor presents soft, delicate pilsner malt with firm hop bitterness. As in the aroma, the flavor of the cucumber comes across more like an unripe melon with a slight vegetal aspect. It is crisp and dry with a spicy hop flavor, hints of melon rind and a touch of white asparagus. Featuring a light body with medium-high carbonation, this beer had no astringency and was highly attenuated. The base beer is clean and interesting but is closer to a European Light Lager than a Kolsch. Overall, a very refreshing and thirst-quenching summer beer.