Russell Brewing Company Twig & Berries Juniper Berry Kolsh Kölsch at 5% ABV | 20 IBU (C$5.68 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 18-Aug-2016, reviewed 23-Sep-2016)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale straw with one finger of fluffy white head, moderate retention and spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: doughy yeast, herbal, faint juniper. (4/10) Taste: moderate sweet, mild bitter. (4/10) Light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry medium finish. (3/5)
Yep, a lager-y ale, just like the label says. Which is to say, a boring ale. I was expecting gin and tonic flavours here, but instead got… well… not much of anything. This is really, really light in aroma and flavour, with only the faintest hint of juniper berries. Nothing actually off, but very much “what’s the point?” territory. Plus, the label’s just dumb: the “twig and berries” analogy doesn’t jive very well with the (presumably) “girl” berry being flustered by the size of the “guy” berry’s twig. And, they misspelled Kölsch. Dumb and pointless, there’s a rave review for you. (10/20)
5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
