Balter Beerworks & Alliance Brewing Company | Raspberry Kölsch

Howdy beer friends!

Knoxville rocks. We’re pretty fortunate to have such great brewers – and breweries – here in Knoxville. It’s also pretty awesome that this group actively looks for ways to collaborate with one another which continues to elevate Knoxville craft beer. On deck today, a collaboration between Balter Beerworks and Alliance Brewing Company – a Raspberry Kölsch.

This beer was originally released earlier this month and well, I’m sure “adulting” got in the way and I missed the release event. Fast forward to yesterday when I stopped by with the kiddos for lunch and low and behold, it was still on draft. I filled a crowler so I could share it with the Mrs and here we are.

On the noise I immediately find raspberry – sweet, subtle, not overpowering but pleasant and inviting. If you blindfolded me and didn’t tell me what this was I’d almost think I was smelling a framboise. This beer has a pink hue, a very low to moderate head that hangs on and laces very well. On the tongue the raspberry notes carry forward first while gentle malt sweetness rounds out the back. There’s a slight bitterness to this beer but it’s low.

Final snobs: Great beer for a hot summer day – refreshing, flavorful, memorable.  I’d pair this with a crisp summer salad, grilled chicken, a white flaky fish and/or cheesecake. Great work from both our friends at Balter Beerworks and Alliance Brewing Company.

Prost!

Glass by Pretentious Glass Co – Ale Glass