B.C. Beer Reviews is back to take a look at a very straightforward beer from Doan’s Craft Brewing, their Kolsch. This is an age-old style that many have come to love as a sessionable or warm weather beer. Despite the weather still being cold, this was an interesting beer to review.

B.C. Beer Reviews with Nic Hendrickson: Doan’s Craft Brewing – Kolsch

Just like their small tasting room made of brick, their quirky hipster-style labels and the beers they make, Doan’s has a distinctive style to it. The beers they make are not the most “out there”, but they are certainly well-done.

Let’s take a look at their version of the age-old Kolsch style.

Colour

This beer pours a very pale, almost translucent, golden colour. It is closer to what you would expect from a Kolsch when the glass is full: a golden colour. Very bright, and the clarity is fantastic before any of the sediment in the can enters the glass.

Nose/Aroma

The nose/aroma of this beer is spot on with the style. You get the sweet scent of a strong malt/grain backbone. To go along with this, there is a bready characteristic to this nose/aroma that is very powerful.

The yeast profile comes out nicely in the nose/aroma to compliment the malt/grain bill that is present. This is a common note you would get from the style. Certainly one of the strongest notes in the nose/aroma of this one.

There is a slight bit of an herbal, almost earthy, spice note to it as well. Very subtle, but you can definitely catch hints of it here and there. This is a common characteristic of noble hops, which is likely what was used for this beer and is common for this style.

Overall, a sweet nose/aroma that hits the style nicely. The hop notes help to balance out what is an otherwise sweet and very bready nose/aroma.

Tasting Notes

Much like in the nose/aroma, the bready characteristic comes through quite strong. It is present throughout each drink and fits well within the scope of the style. The power of this note is not too much, but it toes the line a bit in that respect.

The malt/grain bill is a strong role player in this beer. It adds a nice complexity to the beer, and it is not overpowering at all. Well balanced between the malt/grain bill and the yeast profile in this beer.

The hop notes, much like in the nose/aroma, bring up the rear. There is a bit of an herbal and spicy note that helps to add a clean and somewhat dry finish to this beer that you would get from a lager.

Other Notes

The branding/labeling is not eye-popping, but it is certainly quirky and distinct. Black and white illustrations line the base of what is primarily a simple white label. Not at all busy, but enough to make it stick out a bit and stick to the style of Doan’s Craft Brewing.

This beer pours a moderate head. The head retention, however, is below average. It dissipates rather quickly.

The carbonation level is above average. It adds a nice crispness to the finish that you would typically expect from a lager. It works well with the subtle notes you get from the hops. It also helps to combat the yeast and malt/grain bill notes from completely taking over.

A very smooth and thin-bodied beer overall. A very easy-drinking beer overall, and would certainly be something you could have more than one of in a single sitting, especially when the 5.0% ABV is taken into account.

Final Grade

Hits the colour, the nose/aroma and the tasting notes of the style nicely. This beer does not venture out too far from what a simple Kolsch offers, but it is very noticeable that it is well-done. The crisp and dry finish makes this a sessionable beer, and it is overall a very tasty one.

Grade: 8.4/10

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