ABITA Brewing Company

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BREWS
BOCK
LIGHT
AMBER
WHEAT
GOLDEN
RED ALE
FALL FEST
TURBODOG
ANDYGATOR
PURPLE HAZE
CHRISTMAS ALE
RESTORATION ALE
ROOTBEER
SELECT

MIXES

SELECT

Abita Select is an exclusive premium draft product line from Abita featuring a new style every few months.

 

KOLSCH

Released July 2004

History
Cologne has a rich brewing history from its origin in the ninth century in a monastery to the twenty two breweries that operate today.  The style of beer has varied greatly over centuries and has evolved from political, religious, economic, and technological influences.  Cologne’s brewers banned together and formed brewer’s guilds; the first to officially organize was the Fraternity of Saint Peter of Milano in 1396 AD.  These guilds witnessed the boom of monastery brewing and the reign of Charlemagne to the poverty and destruction of two World Wars.  The style as know today was most greatly influenced by the advent of the indirect heated kiln in the early 1800s.  The new process produced grain that is lighter in taste and color.  Rationing and poverty during the wars reduced the amount of barely available per brew and thus affected the strength of the local beer.  Ninety percent of the city of Cologne was destroyed during the bombing of WWII.  The destruction united the brewers around Kolsch as the beer of Cologne and tightened the parameters of the sparkling blonde ale.  Eventually the brewer’s guild was successful in obtaining exclusive right to call their beer Kolsch.  This appellation is similar to the protection granted to Scotch, Champagne, and Chianti.           

Abita's Select Kolsch
Our Kolsch is made with Pilsner and Wheat malt from Weyermann, a famous German malting company, and hops from the Hallertau region of Germany.  The beer is fermented with ale yeast from Cologne Germany and cold aged for eight weeks.  The result is a light body, straw colored ale that is clean, crisp, and refreshing.  Delicate flavors of malt and hops linger on the palate.  Our Kolsch is perfect for the hot summer months.   
     

Food Pairings
Kolsch is a versatile beer and goes well with many types of food. The beer is great with fresh green salads.  It’s mild enough not to overpower vegetables, will lift the oils from dressings and blue cheese or feta off the tongue, and will complement the nutty flavor of arugula. The nice hopping flavor and crisp finish lends itself particularly well with boiled shrimp, lobster, and baked flounder.  Imagine drinking this fine brew on a busy sidewalk café with a view of the cathedral in Cologne.