Yellowtail Pale Ale

Brewery: Ballast Point

Type: Kölsch

Alcohol: 4.6%

Country: USA

Now this is an interesting one. An American Kölsch, or an ale that is fermented like a lager. I can honestly say I have not had very many of these. It is an interesting, but not very common type (outside of Cologne perhaps). I actually had no idea this was a kölsch when I bought it. Thought it was going to be another APA. Excited to try a new spin on a "pale ale".

Pours a clear straw yellow, very pilsner color. Tiny little bright white head, again very pilsner like. Now for the noce I am going to really blow your mind…it smells like a pilsner! Grass, hay, and bready malt smells are all there. The taste is also pretty standard. Noble grassy hops, cereal maltiness and other such lagery things. The only difference is a bit of fruitiness, probably from the ale yeast, and a smooth round taste from the wheat…maybe? Well if you blindfolded me and gave me this beer I would tell you it is a very refreshing and nicely made pilsner. If you then asked me if I would buy it again, I would politely laugh in your face. This just does not taste like a craft beer in my opinion. It tastes like the type of beer I can buy in Germany by the case for about the price of this bottle. Disappointed and looking forward to going and grabbing a proper "pale ale".