Beer Review: Elevation Beer Company’s 8 Second Kolsch

8 Second Kölsch, Elevation Beer Company, Poncha Springs

Style: Kölsch

Serving Type: 12-ounce bottle

ABV: 5 percent

Hop Meter (1–10): 4

Malt Meter (1–10): 5

Reviewed: August 2015

For years, beer advocates have sworn that Kölschs are the next big thing. I think it is safe to say—after all this time—that this style is no longer a trend. To wit: Elevation Beer Company’s 8 Second Kölsch, which manages to pack a lot of punch in a delightfully sessionable beer—without the hesitation you find in trending brews.

(Read more beer reviews from 5280 editors)

Pour this golden—really, really golden—beer into a glass and stick your nose in immediately to breathe in grassy scents. Lean back to admire the effervescent bubbles that look more like what you’d find in a flute of champagne than a pint glass. The tight head is extremely thick, but also delicate and well laced.

When you start sampling, you’ll notice how easy it is to drink this brew. It’s light, but full of fruity and flavorful malt notes. It’s crisp, without being bitter. At 5 percent ABV, the brew is quite sessionable, but the complexity of flavors begs for you to take your time and sip away. That’s why, in our humble opinion, it is best consumed in the company of good friends with equally complex and interesting lives. In other words, settle in; you’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

The Ideal Drinker: You, and your best friend from college.

(Check out 5280’s comprehensive guide to Colorado’s craft beer scene)

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