Mankato Brewery Original

The Mankato Brewery is in North Mankato, Minnesota. It is the first production brewery in that city since 1967.  Mankato Original is a 4.8% ABV kolsch-style ale.

The beer pours a pure, clear golden in color. There is an inch of pillowy white, foamy head. It is well carbonated. The aroma is intense golden grain, grassy, lightly floral, straw, a touch of yeast. The taste follows the aromas, with lots of grain and grassiness, full of flavor, with a perfectly bracing bitterness on the finish. The carbonation makes for a crisp mouthfeel, with just the right bitterness and dryness on the finish.

The vast majority of American lagers or kolsch-style beers are missing something, or out of balance in some way. This beer is missing nothing, perfectly in balance, tastes great and drinks crisp and refreshing. This is what beer should be. Major kudos to the Mankato Brewery!