Jul 29, 2015

Champion Brewing Killer Kolsch

Champion Brewing Killer Kolsch has been around for a little while now, but for some reason, it never made its way into my shopping cart until just this past June. Sadly to say, the can that I purchased for review has probably been around just as long — 05/13/2014 was printed across the bottom. Had I noticed that date prior to purchase, the beer would not have made it home and I would have gone on without trying the brew. But now that I had it, I decided to review it anyway just for shits and giggles. How has it stood up over that time period?

Let’s just say that canning technology has come a long way over the years and the 5% ABV (22 IBU) Killer Kolsch has held up pretty well. It doesn’t taste as fresh as it probably should, but there wasn’t too many signs of age within the aroma or taste. The beer was still lively and crips on the palate.

Appearance

Golden in color, the brew sits with a rocky stack of off-white foam.

Champion Brewing Killer Kolsch photo

Aroma

The beer has a pretty solid nose for its age with a pilsner-like character, grain, crackers and distant honey notes.

Taste

Aside from a twinge of old malt in the background, there’s just about not sign of age on this beer. It’s still quite lively on the tongue with plenty of grain and a soft hop bitterness. A touch of honey lingers. The brew is still crisp and refreshing.

Overall

I’m sure that this beer is much better fresh, but considering that the can is over a year old, it’s held up pretty damn well. I’ll be sure to keep my eyes open for a fresh can of Killer Kolsch the next time I’m on a beer run. Expectations are high.

Rating: 3.25/5

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