BrewBilt Brewing Head Brewer Austen Conn Talks Party Eyes Kölsh
92 Rating - Exceptional
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Editorial Dept.
We spoke with BrewBilt head brewer Austen Conn about Party Eyes Kölsh.
What inspired this beer in the first place?
Our team has always been inspired by unique & historic beer styles from Europe, and Kölsch is no exception. Our inspiration draws from wanting to create (or recreate) a style that is somewhat effortless to drink and carries maximum refreshment. Kölsch fits the bill for sure. Our main twist is employing California-grown and malted grain that provides the foundation for our Party Eyes Kölsch.
Who was most responsible for bringing it to life, and how did the idea evolve?
Our head brewer Austen Conn helped take the brand concept of Party Eyes from the page to the brewhouse and into the glass. As a team, we have obsessed over all the fine-tuning of this beer over the history of our brewery, and while its evolution has been more subtle than radical, the impacts of our process and our collective efforts are what have truly elevated this beer into something special.
How would you describe this beer to someone who has never had it before?
A classically inspired Kölsch guided by the terroir of Northern California. Party Eyes is delicate, crisp, snappy, and satisfying with just a kiss of hop complexity from our use of Oregon-grown Lorien hops.
What was the hardest part of getting it right?
Balancing the hop intensity with the subtlety of the malt profile and having each flavor element combine in harmony from the first sip through the finish.
Was there a moment when you realized this beer had real staying power?
Internally, we knew this beer was a winner from its early days, but winning back-to-back gold medals in the Brewer’s Cup of California (2025 and 2026) really cemented its legacy.
What is the ideal food pairing with this beer?
We tend to think this beer pairs well with seafood (especially freshly shucked oysters), but it has versatility and range as its brightness helps cut through richer and savory food offerings with its high carbonation and snappy finish.
Is there a memorable story about this beer that still makes you smile, cringe, or shake your head?
Our monthly Kölsch Nights at our BrewHaus taproom/restaurant in Nevada City, CA, have provided us with a beautiful reason to sit and gather as a team and with our friends and family. We tend to think the essence of Kölsch resides in a place where it’s okay to not overthink what’s in the glass so that you can enjoy your present company and surroundings unencumbered. This type of experience always makes us smile and reminds us why we enjoy offerings with lower ABV and uncomplicated complexity.
When is the best time and place for this beer?
Try as we might, we haven’t yet found a bad time to enjoy this delightful little beer. It’s an easy one to celebrate with, and we remind ourselves to savor and share it often.
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