Highland Brewing Lost Cove Kolsch
A little over 17 years ago I married my college sweetheart. In celebration of that event, my father-in-law brewed a kolsch, bottled it and shared with the 30 or so guests on that warm May afternoon. That beer obviously carries significant memories and every example of the style I’ve had since then has been held up to (maybe too) lofty expectations. The 4.5% ABV (35 IBU) Lost Cove Kolsch from Highland Brewing is a damn fine beer and probably the one to almost match that recollection.
Brewed with Pilsner malt and wheat, Lost Cove Kolsch isn’t as traditional as some examples of the style as it also utilizes the Mt. Hood hop variety — but we’ll let that slide as it’s a descendant of the more traditional Hallertau variety. The end result is a beer that is crisp and refreshing with just the right amount of hop bitterness that tingles the palate long after each sip.
Lost Cove Kolsch won’t usurp unrealistic expectations, but damn, if it isn’t an outstanding beer. I really, really liked this one a great deal. Sitting outside after mowing and completing the honey-do list of yard work was rewarded with Highland’s excellent brew. My only complaint is that I didn’t have more of this one to fill my afternoon.
This is a review of a promotional sample.