Gaffel Kölsch - Privatbrauerei Gaffel Becker & Co.

dar482

New York

3.91/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

It comes in a light yellow color.

There is a grassy and grainy aroma.

The taste actually has a lot of similarities to a pilsner, but not quite. There is a good bitterness, and then a light sweet finish. There a slight bitter finish. It is a bit lacking in flavor, but still quite good and really drinkable.

Not the best kolsch, but decent.

Serving type: on-tap

04-15-2013 02:07:20 | More by dar482

PorterLambic

Florida

3.08/5  rDev -16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Arrives a clear, straw colored, yellow with a white head. Tight bubbles and great retention.
Smell is malty, wheat, light hops with a mustiness.
Taste is the same as the smell with the addition of a metallic note. Balance is fine but...
A fairly full body with a sharp, tangy carbonation. Lose the metal and this is a pretty good beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-12-2013 03:34:56 | More by PorterLambic

Bouleboubier

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Gaffel Kölsch is quite an enjoyable beer. I would imagine there are tastier examples of the style. But this one does exhibit a few unique qualities of the style.

Nearly crystal clear and sunshine-golden. Minimal head (white) on the pour, and it dies out quick.

The initial aromas are vinous or apple-y in nature, while a vine-y/leafy thing stands out next, with a touch of mustiness, later followed by a light, golden-bread crust (a la baguette) malt.

When I finally take a sip, the first flavor impression is that of chewing on maybe a 70/30 mix of Pilsner and light crystal (40L) malt. Very quickly, though, its fruitiness comes to the fore - almost a grape flavor. No hop flavor. A bit of juicy sweetness carries through the pretty dry finish.

Damn, it's difficult to judge a beer like this according to its actual, accepted characteristics (lack of head retention and lacing - namely my hang-ups here). Gaffel (and Kölsch, for that matter) has a subtly in taste (most subtle of any German style, next to maybe German pilsner?) that will appeal to lager drinkers. I just have a feeling that better German examples exist, and that we in the US haven't access to 'em. Oh well.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2012 18:22:42 | More by Bouleboubier

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Light gold in color with a well-kept white head. 3.5

Pale malts, dead grass, musty Euro hops, and estery sweetness. Touch of apple. 3.5

Hefty bitterness in this kolsch with pale grains, floral hops, and a dry apple ester following from the ale yeast. Even the alcohol is showing. 3.5

Feels a little watery thin. Carbonation is mild and inviting the flavors. Plus drinkability. 3.5

Nice kolsch. A very light German ale with some loaded flavor. 4.0

Serving type: on-tap

10-01-2012 01:16:02 | More by thecheapies

Infamous7100

Ohio

3.73/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a crystal clear gold. Minimal head, no lacing.
S: bready, slightly floral. Nothing over the top, solid.
T: biscuity notes at the front with sweet malt, toward the middle to back, the hops blend nicely for a citrusy, floral, sweet balance.
M: Medium to high carbonation. Finishes with a crisp bite that has a pleasant aftertaste.
O: very straightforward brew. No frills, sessionable. It's quite tasty.

Serving type: on-tap

07-21-2012 02:06:28 | More by Infamous7100

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Watching the pour, there was a decent head, but when it was delivered it had settled completely. Still, it left some streaky lace. Gold color and clear.

Mild aroma of raw, pale grain. No notable hop.

It has a light berry sweetness. There's a good hop bite in the swallow. Short aftertaste. Refreshing and light.

Serving type: on-tap

07-15-2012 16:48:29 | More by smcolw

Cylinsier

Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

tap

Pours a clear gold, effervescent with a white head.

Smells of fresh dry barley malt.

Tastes of lagery barley malts and very mild hop bitterness, plus maybe some corn-like adjunct sweetness, but in a good way.

Light body with tingly carbonation.

A very good German lager, easy going, refreshing and light. Pairs good with meals. Nothing unique or outstanding about it, but just a solid lager.

Serving type: on-tap

05-27-2012 22:04:27 | More by Cylinsier

Tone

Missouri

3.38/5  rDev -8.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear, gold color. 1/4 inch head of a white color. Slight retention and slight lacing. Smells of pale malt, grain, and a hint of hop. Fits the style of a Kolsch. Mouth feel is sharp and crisp, with an average carbonation level. Tastes of pale malt, grain, hint of hop, and a hint of sweet malt. Overall, very session-able, but still lacking in body as far as blend and complexity.

Serving type: on-tap

04-09-2012 13:49:53 | More by Tone

tobelerone

New Jersey

3.9/5  rDev +6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Crystal clear, pale yellow, with a nice cap of white foam. Decent retention and lacing. Mildly bitter ; floral and grassy aroma with a modest bready malt note underneath.

Crisp and easy drinking; taste matches the nose, with pleasantly light bitterness, classic German hop profile, grass and floral notes; again a lightly malty undertone props up the hops. Gently fruity.

Solid carbonation, medium-light bodied, very clean finish, refreshing and tasty. Definite session territory here. Not particularly interesting, just a clean, cold refresher that goes down easy. Enjoyed this draft version more than the bottled Kolsch beers I’ve sampled; perhaps it’s a freshness issue; this one was really vibrant and tasty.

Serving type: on-tap

12-19-2011 17:12:53 | More by tobelerone

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.05/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On-tap 12/17/2011 at Track 84, in Warwick, RI served in a stange glass.

A: The beer is a light gold color with a short white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma contains grain, light caramelized malts and some hops.

T: The taste starts out bready with flavors of grain and a hearty but not too heavy malt character followed by a mild sweetness. The hops presence is mild but complementary and brings a good balance. The after-taste is slightly bready and slightly sweet.

M: Crisp and smooth, light-to-medium body, medium carbonation, finish is very clean.

O: Tasty, goes down very easily, not too filling, mild kick, very good representation of style, this is a very nice simplistic and poundable beer to drink for a long time.

Serving type: on-tap

12-18-2011 20:52:16 | More by TheManiacalOne

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

2.45/5  rDev -33.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

First had: on tap at Brauhaus Schmitz, and bottled elsewhere

Pours a crystal clear, pale yellow with a thin fizzy head that dissipates to essentially nothing pretty quickly. Grassy aroma, grains and, well that's about it. Light taste, bready, lightly earthy, sweet with pale malts, and a gentle floral hoppiness. Pretty one-dimensional and uninteresting, as typical with the style. Light mouthfeel, and a bit of unpleasant bitterness in the aftertaste. Good for lightweights, but not very drinkable otherwise. I am not a fan.

Serving type: on-tap

11-12-2011 13:29:47 | More by Rifugium

sim0n17

Germany

4.08/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A little darker in color than Fruh with a tiny bit more bite to the taste. I guess it just depends on one's mood whether Gaffel or Fruh is the #1 Kolsch on the day. A little stronger smell for Gaffel over Fruh, but not quite the better overall. Close your eyes and pick one - can't go wrong with either of them!!

Serving type: on-tap

11-08-2011 17:53:28 | More by sim0n17

amphion1065

Massachusetts

3.05/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

16 oz. pour into a pint glass. Reviewed from notes.

Pours a crystal clear gold, almost entirely translucent. Visible carbonation, but almost no head to speak of.

Slight citrus and wheat in the aroma, with a touch of hops. There's a very crisp, grassy character and also some light malt at work.

The taste is more of the same, with a muted hop bitterness and a defined grassy taste. Biscuit, bread flavor from the malt adds a touch of sweetness.

The mouthfeel is on the thin side, but nothing egregious for the style. A refreshing beer, certainly.

An average kolsch in every respect. Fine in a pinch, but nothing I'd seek out again.

Serving type: on-tap

10-13-2011 00:28:40 | More by amphion1065

Neorebel

New Jersey

4.43/5  rDev +20.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Gaffel is a great pick/example of the true Kolsch style. I've had this both on tap in the brewery in Koln and bottled at home. I am thrilled it's available in the US, but make sure the bottles aren't dusty! Some people might not prefer this beer because of the perception of a session beer... Don't compare to an American ale or Belgian beer loaded with all sorts of bold flavors. For fans of German Pils. What it is, is a clean tasting beer with a certain sweetness and earthiness that must be fresh and is also best when drank with the proper 'ritual.' Drink it in the 'Stanger' type glasses meant for pounding the beer down with friends! Good times.

Serving type: on-tap

10-02-2011 00:56:55 | More by Neorebel

ummswimmin

New Jersey

3.18/5  rDev -13.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Had this on tap at a local restaurant. They poured it into a DAB glass mug. Due to a typical bar pour, there was minimal head.

This is a light, straw color. The carbonation was present, but it wasn't as present as I would have liked.

The smell and taste were both very minimal. There was very light malting and grain presence. I didn't get anything else.

Serving type: on-tap

09-02-2011 01:10:58 | More by ummswimmin

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

4/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On draft at Churchkey in D.C.

The beer is golden in color, with 1/4" of white head that leaves some random lacing on the snifter. The aroma is bready and slightly sweet - very fresh and inviting. Refreshing and crisp, with a delicate honey sweetness throughout. Sweet, bready malts with some subtle earthy, herbal, hop notes. Well done. Light in body, this is a great choice for a quaffable summer brew. I would have this again.

Serving type: on-tap

08-15-2011 21:24:40 | More by Huhzubendah

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Churchkey yesterday. Served in a mini-snifter.
Pours a clear bright yellow-straw color with a good white head and some spotty lacing on the way down. The nose brings forward some light floral hops behind a solid base of straw and grain. Flavor is light malt and grain with a touch of light sweetness. Light and crisp with good carbonation. Nice beer on a hot day.

Serving type: on-tap

08-11-2011 10:46:53 | More by Thorpe429

StaEva

Pennsylvania

4.51/5  rDev +22.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A great Kolsch. The only thing keeping this beer from having a higher rating is the fact that you people don't have any appreciation for subtlety. This is the greatest Kolsch available in America, hands down. I will argue anyone on this fact until you give up and realize your foolishness.

Serving type: on-tap

08-06-2011 00:14:52 | More by StaEva

TheDeuce

New York

3/5  rDev -18.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Gaffel Kolsch….on tap at 10 Downing Restaurant in New York, NY

Appearance-came to me from the bar in an Kolsch style long thin glass. Color of yellow gold sand with a white head, about three fingers at first . Letting it sit the head fizzes out and dies down into the glass.

Smell-light aroma, hard sniffs give me a mix of grain, yeast and lemon mix. Alcohol is hidden as is any sign of malt, certainly light.

Taste/Mouthfeel-Light body, taste is layers of grain mixed with a lemon bite, sweeter than I expected. Nice smoothness and carbonation, hits you in the face with the flavor and then clears out quickly. Finishes very clean. No trace of hop bitterness or malt sweetness throughout

Overall-Refreshing on this hot day, an ok Kolsch, not world class but hits the style notes fine and is a passable version.

Serving type: on-tap

07-17-2011 16:22:39 | More by TheDeuce

Durge

Connecticut

3.53/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Enjoyed on a hot afternoon at the Keybar in New York City served in a tall glass this beer shows a very clear yellow gold with a modest white head and a few specks of lace. The aroma is classic, somewhat thick, cereal grain with a slight, tasteful yeast. The flavor is bright cereal rice grain with a hint of yeasty corn. It has firm but pleasant carbonation and a crisp, aqueous feel. It is highly drinkable and refreshing, and excellent summer refreshment with a little citrus hop that becomes evident at the finish. Enjoyable but nothing very different. A relable refresher.

Serving type: on-tap

07-04-2011 15:46:05 | More by Durge

SkunkWorks

New York

4.1/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap at TJ Finley's in Bay Shore, NY. Served in a Gaffel stange. I've had this before in a bottle but fresh on tap sounds good.

Look: yellow, golden body with a thin white head that dissipates quickly and doesn't leave much in the way of lacing. Good for the style.

Smell: clean, pale malt with a bit of fruit and spicy hops. Subtle and appropriate for a Kolsch.

Taste: follows the nose with a big pale malt flavor, some quiet hoppiness, and a little tartness with a dry finish.

Feel: light in body, moderately carbonated, crisp and refreshing. Easy drinking and makes for a great session beer.

Overall: quite good, slightly better than the tap version, and based on what I've had so far, a great Kolsch. Wholeheartedly recommend this for someone trying to learn about the style. Can't wait till I can get to Cologne to drink some local Kolsches! Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

04-30-2011 05:54:37 | More by SkunkWorks

Reagan1984

Massachusetts

4.15/5  rDev +12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Interesting how I had the opportunity to drink/review this beer. Three buddies and I went to Deep Ellum for an evening of beers and some food. One of my buddies is an emerging beer geek, but fairly early in the progression. For the past two years he would always taste a small glass of what we were drinking..make some face and then go back to his Coor's Light. I always gave him credit for expanding his pallet. Nugget Nectar & DFH 60 Minute get credit for lighting his beer geek flame. He's been off like a rocket ever since. Back to this beer. He asked me what he should try and I wanted to slowly ease him into the beers that Deep Ellum has to offer. I suggested this Kolsch and then was going to have him move up through some other styles.

The beer hit the table, he took a few sips and said he liked it.... BUT, he wanted something with more flavor and punch.... I was so proud.. Anyway, I offered to drink the beer and he ordered a Hop15. Welcome to the club Mike!!!

The beer came in a glass that looked like a combination of a pilsner & Hefe-weiss glass. Tall. A finger of light fluffy/creamy white head topped the beer but faded very quickly. The color was more gold than straw, but still very light. Just a touch of lacing remained.

Nose was nice, fresh and a bit more pronounced than expected. Floral, a touch of grass and very light malt.

Grain and grass rule the day here. Very light fruit, but barely there. Pretty refreshing and just shy of crisp. A touch of yeast that adds slightly to the flavor. Not doughy, not full cracker malt tones, but somewhere in between. Perhaps lightly toasted bread.

Smooth, milky in that it's almost creamy, but nowhere nearly as thick.

I'd say right on for the style. Personally, I think on BA this style gets the shaft as it's certainly more subtle and reminds people of BMC type beers. Of course, it's not as complex as an Imp Stout. But it's not supposed to be. Good representation of the style. Nice beer.

Serving type: on-tap

03-20-2011 14:37:45 | More by Reagan1984

afksports

New York

2.65/5  rDev -28%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Well, maybe this is an old keg or something. But I don't get the "B" rating that Gaffel Kolsch has on BeerAdvocate. It's like German Budweiser to me.

Poured without much head (I fault the bartender), whatever lacing was there dissipated within 15 minutes. Little to no carbonation is left in this straw to gold light beer. The smell is indistinct, maybe some light fruits, a touch of grain, pinch of hops. (I sound like Julia Child here).

The taste is ... mediocre? There's a bite of some grassy hops, and a sense of white grapes here, but ultimately the watery finish is what dominates. Light beer that's light, I suppose as it should be, but that's ultimately... unremarkable.

Had on tap at Brad's by NYU, where I had to go to study because NYU can't figure out how to open study spaces on the weekend. I'm relegated to drinking. See what you've done to me, NYU?

Also: The girlfriend got a beerface from this. Minus points. Budweiser with grapes.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2011 21:47:48 | More by afksports

rvdoorn

Netherlands

3.8/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5

had this one in a traditional german restaurant along the rhine river in koln. Served in a 0.2 ml glass. Straw golden colour with white head. Smells a bit more hoppy than the other variants of kolsch i tried. Taste is like most kolsch beers, with a bit more dry finish. Very drinkable and pairs great with bratwurst!

Serving type: on-tap

02-12-2011 15:58:12 | More by rvdoorn

fastsrt

New York

4.43/5  rDev +20.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Draft pour In a gaffel Stange glass

A: golden, white head looks good in the glass

S: grape, malt, great aroma

T: grapes, malts, awsome beer smooth and easy drinking

M: good carbonation. Light, dry

D: could drink a few goes down smooth real good beer. Have not have many of this style however i am trying to experience more styles

Serving type: on-tap

02-08-2011 22:33:18 | More by fastsrt