Gordon Biersch Sommergold (Sommerfest)

Brewed by Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
Style: Kölsch
Palo Alto, California USA

Had on tap in San Diego GB, fits the Kolsch style guidelines very well, slight fruit character, crisp finish was not harsh, pleasant spice from hops. Great clarity and persistent creamy head. Took a growler home.

Had this at beautiful DC location. Called the seasonal Sommerfest, sneaking suspicion it’s this beer (it was described as a Kolsch, and even served ina proper Kolsch glass!). Good golden body, bright bouncy notes. Still a tad heavy on the palate. Great nonetheless.

Setting: Served chilled in a sample cup at the RFD Michael Jackson Beer Tasting. Appearance: Crystal clear straw yellow topped by a smallish white head that dissipated to a film and a ring, leaving small fingers of lace clinging to the plastic. Aroma: Lightly herby and floral aromas of noble hops. Faint whiffs of pale malts. Flavor: Very bready malt flavors with lightly grassy and peppery hop flavors on the finish. Faint lingering banana esters on the aftertaste. Palate: Very light in body with a crisp finish. Snappy and peppy. Overall: Quite enjoyable and very easygoing. A great session beer. A wee bit aggressive on the grassy and bready flavors, though.

Bright, fresh, and a nice citrus bite in the finish. This is a lovely summer beer, and in my opinion this should take the place of their Golden Export as the flagship lighter standard beer choice on the menu. It was very drinkable and very tasty.

Appearance: Straw yellow with some haziness, large fluffy white head which dissipates quickly Aroma: Low floral, noble hop aroma, distinct ale like fruit notes some malt... slight sulfury notes as the beer warms up Flavor: Nice roundness with of malt sweetness with restrained slightly spicy hop bitterness. Some fruity flavors apparent as well. Nice dry in the finish Palate: Medium light... strong carbonation for the style... opens light but the dry finish lasts a long time Overall: The summerfest for 2006, is a very nice representation of a Kolsch... definitely drinkable but for a seasonal and a special beer... did not distinguish itself and came across as a heavy on the grassy notes..

Pours clear gold with white head. The aroma is mostly grains with a bit of floral hops and acidity. The taste is fresh and crisp with grains and mild malt sweetness fighting off a carbonation enhanced rush of lemon acidity. A nice balance is achieved and persists into the finish with the grains fading leaving malt sweetness, lemon like acidity and a thin layer of floral hops.

Draft in Columbus, OH. Clear pale color with an average frothy white head that mostly lasted with good lacing in proper glass. Moderate floral sour citrus aroma. Light to medium body with soft carbonation. Medium balanced flavor with the same balanced dry finish of moderate duration. Solid drinkable beer.

On draught at the Kölsch tapping party 6/29/06: Pours clear golden yellow with a good amount of bubbles. Thin and bubbly white head and minimal lacing. Aroma of light floral hops and spices. Light with a lively mouthfeel, with floral hops, malt and sweet fruit flavors. The finish is dry and effervescent, with a lingering hops flavor. Pretty good all around.