32/50 Kölsch

Made in a biodiesel-fired brewhouse, 32/50 Kölsch represents a unique take on the august Köln-based style. Coast Brewing uses certified organic malts and classic German hops to capture the style’s distinctive aromas and flavors. Delicate, fragrant notes of lemon verbena and vanilla float over a cracker-like malt foundation, with hints of sweet corn peeking through. Pete complimented the “classically Pils-type malt” and subtle Noble hop spiciness, though he felt the sweet, creamed corn notes were too prominent. Digging further, he found pleasingly light notes of Bosc pears and overripe peaches. Like Pete, Rick felt the sweet corn-like aromas overpowered, but he appreciated the “perfumey notes of vanilla and roses.” Pale, straw-colored, and evincing the slightest hint of chill haze, this beer sports a persistent, billowing canopy of snow white foam. A light wheat-derived tartness anchors the flavor, while intermingled notes of honey, wildflowers, and spicy hops add highlights and texture. Tom found the beer balanced a bit toward the sweet side, but enjoyed the “lemony citrus tang in the finish.” He also felt the beer finished a bit flabby. Lee considered the beer slightly more balanced, with a drying note that leaves the beer “demanding to be quaffed.” Quenchingly crisp, with a subdued hop bitterness and middling ABV of 4.8 percent, the Kölsch from Coast is a worthy session strength beer, suitable for any summer outing.