Blackstone "Chaser" Kolsch (Revisit)

In early 2013 I tried a beer that shared a name with this beer. As far as I can tell, this is a derivation of that beer. While that one was simply referred to as a Chaser Pale Ale, it didn't go out of its way to say it was a German style Kolsch. This is, in fact, a German style Kolsch. I noticed that the ABV has changed from 4.6% to 5.2%, and my experience with this review process has improved dramatically since the two sentence summary of a beer that I tried in 2013. Let's see if the beer has improved as much as I have.

The relatively clear yellow beer produced a stark white head, but it won't be leaving much lacing. The aroma is enough to reach out and grab you, though. It is heavy with grains, light fruit, honey, spicy, and sweet. It really does seem like this is going to be a good beverage. I like the crisp nature of a Kolsch, and the aroma is reminding me of why I like the style.

First sip is a flash of a beverage. Grains and honey seem to hit and run while a yeast filled bread lingers long after the beer is gone. A dryness starts to settle, and that encourages the next sip. It is simple, crisp, and straightforward. This is exactly what I look for when I'm sipping a Kolsch, and I'm really wondering what put me off during that previous review. I think it might just of been unfamiliarity with the style.

Tip-in is light carbonation burn with grains sitting fairly heavily in the middle while fruit rinds of lemon and orange spritz about on the sides. The middle brings the honey to join in with grains to smooth out the whole experience. The finish turns a little skunky, but the spices tried to tamp that down before the whole mouth turns little dry.

Bottom Line: Complex, but the skunk has to go.

2.25/5