Yellow Kite, Bristol Brewing Company, Colorado Springs

Style: European-Style Pilsner

Serving Type: 12-ounce bottle, available April through October

ABV: 4.8 percent

Malty? Hoppy? Slightly hoppy

Reviewed: July 2015

As a newcomer to Colorado, I learned very quickly that being 5,280 feet closer to the sun means the midday summer hours can be brutal. (Originally from Alabama, I mistakenly took the lack of humidity as reason to believe it doesn’t get that hot in Denver.) Because summer in Alabama usually means swimming in a sea of Bud Light, I decided to dive into the Colorado craft beer scene and try Bristol Brewing’s Yellow Kite summer pilsner.

At first glance, I could tell this was the crisp summer beer I was looking for. The label (which states the month and week of bottling—thanks, Bristol!) says “Golden, refreshing, breezy. Enjoy!” Sitting on a sunny patio in July, I was in dire need of something breezy and refreshing, and this simple pilsner delivered.

Yellow Kite pours an extremely light straw yellow, with a fizzy head that dissipates quickly, but I prefer drinking from the 12 oz. bottle, because the strong, bitter aroma can be a little off-putting.

That being said, Yellow Kite walks the fine line between refreshing and watered down well; there was still plenty of flavor to be had alongside some much-needed hydration (I’m still not used to the altitude yet). The taste is full-bodied, but like most Coloradans, this beer has a toned, healthy, fit kind of body.

This is the summer beer I need. It’s clean, crisp, and perfect for summer patio parties; flavorful, but it won’t slow me down while I’m still working up to hiking my first fourteener.

Would we buy it again? Yes, especially a six-pack to share at the next summer barbecue.

(Read more beer reviews from 5280 editors)