This week we decided to switch things up a bit and review a brew! This Kolsh brew comes from Metropolitan Brewery in Chicago, Illinois. Specializing in German style lagers since 2009, Metropolitan Brewery is located along the Chicago River and offers an indoor/outdoor beer garden and storefront. Although we unfortunately were not able to visit, we do plan on stopping by and reviewing the brewery itself in the future. We chose to pick up a six-pack of their flagship beer, Krankshaft, which is available year-round and pays homage to the Kolsh-style German beer that is originally brewed under strict conditions in Cologne, Germany.

He says: Would buy again

This brew is a lagered ale which essentially means that it is fermented by a top fermenting yeast but at cooler temperatures then an ale and then stored at cool to cold temperatures similar to lagers. This beer has an appealing straw like color that is somewhat dull, but definitely not cloudy. The foam left a nice lace on the glass and the overall taste left a pleasant lingering finish. A semi-light beer that has notes of roasted grain with hints of fruit which gives way to a wonderful balance of malt and hops. Krankshaft is a light drinking beer that tasted surprisingly “brewery-fresh” (considering it came from a bottle). I’m very pleased we stumbled across this gem, I would highly recommend trying Krankshaft and we are both looking forward to checking out the beer garden and other beers that Metropolitan has to offer in the future. 

She says: Would buy again

Being transparent with my online reviews, I will be the first to say that I am not a huge beer fan for the simple reason that these types of beverages make me feel full, leaving little space for delicious dinners and desserts. That being said, I do enjoy a beer from time to time and this weekend we chose a Metropolitan Brewery Kolsch called Krankshaft.

This was my first time drinking a bottled Kolsch, previously I have enjoyed this type of beer in draft form and I was pleasantly surprised that Krankshaft had that “on-tap” flavor. Every sip of this beer was refreshing, even the last. It has a light honey/pale straw appearance and was very smooth, no bitterness noted. I tasted floral hints combined with fresh bread and pine that evolved into a mild and pleasant yeast finish. The yeasty aftertaste did not linger long, which I liked. This is the perfect beer to enjoy with a variety of different meal ideas and the best part, I did not have that full feeling when the bottle was empty! I will definitely choose Krankshaft as a go-to beer for my carbonation-hating tummy again and again.

Apple Pineapple Hard Cider
5% – Stevens Point, WI

About: Pineapple Hula is an Apple/Pineapple 5% Alc./Vol. hard cider that comes in a 12-ounce glass bottle. Founded in 2012, Ciderboys offers ten different flavors throughout different times of the year. All of the ciders they offer are gluten free and made with real apples and other natural fruit flavors.

He Says: Although I’m not a big fan of cider I have to admit this flavor by the Cider Boys can definitely be a favorite of mine. It has a refreshing pineapple taste (as the name suggests) however the flavor seems lively, vibrant and freshly picked. Undertones of lemon are pleasantly welcoming for this tasty tart treat. Great drink to have on a Sunday morning lounging around in flannel and getting ready for your favorite team to take the field. I’m glad I have a six-pack! ? 

She Says: Upon opening the bottle, you will notice the initial fragrance is crisp and clear and the cider is dirty straw in color. The scent has a fruity appeal, like a summery fruit punch with a pleasant lip pucker. 

Ahhh, and for those who want the beverage without the bloat, we may have found something here. This hard cider by Ciderboys is one of those delicious, bottled choices that, to me, does not fall short or annoy the taste buds in any way. And bonus, the carbonation is barely a blip on your drinking trip…so no bloated tummy or sour gut keeping you up at night. 

Okay, I may be stating the obvious here, but, this hard cider smells and tastes like pineapples, oh and apples!, haha. I mention this because well…

A. I am reviewing this for ya’ll and…

B. It actually tastes like actual fruit that you have actually freshly picked…actually. 

And, as if it could not get any better, this Ciderboys ends with NO OBNOXIOUS aftertaste (you know, the kind of obnoxious like using CAPS in text). 

So, when perusing the aisles for a hard cider that looks good, smells good and tastes good, grab this Ciderboys gem and enjoy!