Brouwerij De Ranke ‘Simplex’ Kolsch

Rating:

27867692_812641305586683_9025628438558642103_n“For the first time since 2013 Brewery De Ranke launches a new, permanently available beer, Simplex. A fresh, light beer that resembles the bitter, hoppy pilsners from the sixties, although it is in fact an ale. “This is a beer we developed out of nostalgia for the old-styled pilsner”, say brewers Guido Devos and Nino Bacelle.”

Glassware: Tumbler.

Appearance: Hazy straw gold with a fair bit of suspended sediment. It forms a thumb of finely beaded foam which holds together well. Tonnes of webbed lacing clinging to the glass as we go.

Aroma: Quite complex for a kölsch. Getting subtle hints of Belgian yeast esters, straw, white pepper, earthy farmyard, orange zest and coriander. It has that touch of biscuit malt but it’s mostly grainy and crackery. Lively little saison-like fusion through it.

Flavour: She’s acting a bit more like a kölsch on the palate – grainy/husky malts on entry moving to straw, spice and earthy hops in the middle. The finish is dry with bitter grassy hop, straw and mild spice.

Mouthfeel: Crisp, dry and light on. Sturdy bitterness (50 IBU) developing late and persisting. Only 4.5% ABV which is remarkable considering the amount of body to it.

Overall: Not your typical kölsch. Loving the Belgian esters on the nose with a big flavour profile to back it up. Plenty of character crammed in to this unconventional offering.