Happy Valley Copycat Kolsch

I know we always talk about kolsch as being an ale/yeast hybrid style, but I reckon "German pale ale" is also a fine descriptor. Happy Valley’s take on the style brings together Aussie and German malts, German hops (Hallertau) and a kolsch yeast strain to make a beer as well suited to a dyed-in-the-wool lager drinker as to a Euro-craft-snob.

One person could just say it’s smashable; another could say it has yeast esters of pear and apricot freshness rising up to greet the nose, while each sip brings a delicate bitterness and silky mouthfeel with gentle carbonation.

Or, in my case, the one person could say both things.

Mick Wüst