Kölsch is not technically an IPA. Kölsch is a traditional beer style that originated in Cologne, Germany. It is known for its clean, crisp, and refreshing characteristics. It is typically brewed using a specific strain of yeast called Kölsch yeast, which gives it its unique flavor profile.
On the other hand, IPA, which stands for India Pale Ale, is a beer style that originated in England. It is characterized by its hoppy and bitter taste, with a higher alcohol content compared to other beer styles. IPAs are usually brewed using ale yeast and are known for their strong hop aroma and flavor.
However, in recent years, there has been a trend of hybrid beer styles, where different beer styles are combined to create new and unique flavors. The Kölsch IPA is one such example. It combines the characteristics of a Kölsch beer with the hoppy and citrusy flavors of an IPA.
The Kölsch IPA is brewed using Kölsch yeast, which gives it its clean and crisp base. It is then dry-hopped with hops such as Nugget and Falconer’s Flight to enhance the hop aroma and flavor. The dry hopping process involves adding hops to the beer during fermentation or aging, which imparts additional hoppy and citrusy notes to the final product.
The combination of the Kölsch yeast and the dry hopping process results in a beer that has a balance of hop bitterness and fruity, citrusy flavors. The peppery and citrus notes on the nose and the tongue come from the combination of the hops and the Kölsch yeast.
The malt bill of the Kölsch IPA typically consists of Pilsner and Wheat malt. Pilsner malt provides a light and crisp base, while Wheat malt adds some body and smoothness to the beer. The use of these malts helps to balance out the hop bitterness and adds a touch of sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
In terms of alcohol content, the Kölsch IPA has an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of 5.6%. This falls within the range of a standard Kölsch beer, which typically has an ABV of around 4.5% to 5.5%. The lower alcohol content makes it a relatively easy-drinking beer that can be enjoyed in larger quantities.
The Kölsch IPA is a unique and flavorful beer that combines the best of both worlds – the crisp and refreshing characteristics of a Kölsch beer and the hoppy and citrusy flavors of an IPA. It is a great choice for those who enjoy hop-forward beers but also appreciate the clean and crisp nature of a Kölsch.