32°/50° - COAST Brewing Company

DeutschesBier

Maryland

4.08/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

It's hard to find a good Koelsch, but COAST just made the search a little easier. It has the nice golden appearance of a German style Koelsch. This beer just looked refreshing, as it was 100 degrees out that day. The crips, clean taste was everything I hoped it would be, and one of the best examples of the style I've had since I had authentic ones in Germany. I could drink this beer all day, no problem. A fantastic example!

Serving type: on-tap

07-20-2010 23:05:12 | More by DeutschesBier

wcudwight

North Carolina

4/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

On-tap at Charleston Beerworks.
This has got to be the palest yellow I've seen. It's not urine pale like most macros. This is such a pale yellow it makes me think, "now, this is a real session beer."
I'm not getting much in the aroma but I think that's more b/c of the bar and less to do with the beer. I get some faint grassy type hops in the nose and not much else.
This is good. It's not going to smack you upside the head but instead it will just make you nod and say hmmmm this is a good beer. Sweet malts mixed with some light floral and grassy hops. It's the balance and simplicity that I enjoy in this beer.
Very light bodied and easy to drink. Nice beer to sit back and session for awhile while playing pool or skeet ball.

Serving type: on-tap

05-24-2010 03:10:55 | More by wcudwight

JISurfer

South Carolina

4.33/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Had this at the Battery soccer game last week. Yes, they sell this at the local semi-pro soccer games! Anyway, it was a great beer for the time, especially since it was a bit hot out. It had a nice light fruit/wheat taste to it, as well as a malty backbone. The slight hint of the hops didn't overpower the others. The head was thick and creamy, even lasted a while in a plastic cup. Definitely going to have another at tonights game! Go Battery!!!!

Serving type: on-tap

07-07-2009 20:33:06 | More by JISurfer

grayburn

South Carolina

3.83/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I am ecstatic that COAST has hit Myrtle Beach. About f'ng time if you ask me. This brewery has been hyped to the extreme and I need to test their wares.

The beer pulls a crystal golden color, with a solid head of tiny bubbles that just don't want to leave. The lacing is nice.

The smell is light malt and bready notes with a wee bit of alcohol in the back.

The taste follows the nose, there is little flavor, but the beer is extremelt crisp and refreshing. This is an excellent summer beer to drink in large quantities. Good Job Coast, I cannot wait to get some more of your offerings.

Serving type: on-tap

04-21-2009 00:40:58 | More by grayburn

HeyItsChili

China

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

Had this on-tap at Gene's Hofbrau.

A - Pours clear golden with a minuscule white head.

S - The sort of fruity, flowery aroma of prior Kolsches I've tasted is present here, with some sweetness

T - The light and fruity hops is very well applied here, not overpowering but give the brew its defining characteristic. The sort of earthy, wheaty, grain quality is present and everything is pleasantly balanced.

M - On the thin side of medium bodied.

Notes - Another winner from COAST.

Serving type: on-tap

01-11-2009 13:57:09 | More by HeyItsChili

taylorhamrick

South Carolina

4.93/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I've had it many times at COAST, and at a few restaurants and bars around town.

It's very pale and perfectly clear - I think it's the only beer that COAST actually filters, and only because people expect it. I've tasted it unfiltered though, a lucky occasion I think. But it looks beautiful and has a decent white head.
I love the smell and taste of it. You can smell the light fruity German hop pallet and the taste has almost no bitterness but incredible hop flavor, balanced by the light sweetness in the malt. Nothing is too much and nothing is underdone. I love this beer and I could drink it in any situation for any period of time.

I hope I'm not slanting my opinions too much because this brewery is in the town where I live, but it's rare that I can find something I'd rather go drink than this or COAST's other brews.

I've certainly had this one the most, though.

Serving type: on-tap

09-03-2008 01:53:38 | More by taylorhamrick

brewmudgeon

Wisconsin

4.95/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

never thought i'd be giving a beer all 5's, but i just can't find a reason not to with this one--until two years later. for what it is, it's simply (almost) perfect. shimmering and beautiful, great head and lace, the taste and smell of fresh grain accompanied by an intriguing fruitiness and perfectly balanced by the hops. i would drink this (and shower with it, pour it over my cereal, etc.) every day if it were available in my area.

5/pint (yikes)

v: oz1 al1 2.5

Serving type: on-tap

08-29-2008 21:28:22 | More by brewmudgeon

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.68/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Consumed on tap at the source 8/15/2008.

So I made my way back down to COAST after a nearly 6 month delay! Graciously welcomed as always, I was thrilled to see them again as well. Sat down and chatted for a while, drinking a few pints while I was there. This one was not quite ready the first time I cam up, so I was glad to see it today.

The pour was wondeful, bright golden yeloow with a slight haze and huge carbonation. Fully frothy white head with great retention adn a good amount of side lace ta boot. Smooth aroma, light grains, hints of light fruit and a slight touch of citric. Easy smooth flavor, hardly a drop goes by that you dont remark as to how easy drinking this is. Light grain, hints of fresh grass like hop notes just barely there, just enough to let you know. Quick clean finish, lots of carbonation, light body, shit pretty damn perfect "Lawnmower beer"(There ya go Bill)

Overall outstanding, probably the best session ale I have had in I dont even know how long. This was intense, tight, perfect. I was in heaven. Thank you Jamie and David for brewing such a wonderful ale. This is the kind of thing that can break a market wide open.

Serving type: on-tap

08-16-2008 04:17:42 | More by mikesgroove

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

3.7/5  rDev -12.3%
look: 5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Kolsch! The name refers to the lat./long. coordinates of the brewery but does not give much away in terms of style. That is what I refer to as "too clever by half". Oh well.

It was presented in a room-temperature glass with a thin, bone-white head with moderate retention. The color was spot on - a beautiful, deep-golden yellow with NE-quality clarity. The nose was muted, slightly malty, but not terribly present. Mouthfeel was medium with a light, dry, lemony taste on the tongue. Finish was dry and refreshing. This would be perfect on a hot, humid day such as the one that I was experiencing in Charleston, SC.

Serving type: on-tap

07-05-2008 01:17:28 | More by woodychandler

goindownsouth

South Carolina

4.8/5  rDev +13.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Consumed vom Fass at Coast on 06/07/08.

Golden and effervescent in appearance. Huge head with brisk carbonation although extremely heady out of the barrel. Aromas plentiful of freshly mowed grains and subtle hop tones with just a twinge of citric action in the background. Smooth on the palate, hardly astringent. Very clean and refreching with decent dryness. Highly quaffable in every way imagineable, a [German] session Bier defined. Balanced, delicious, and low in alcohol. Perhaps the best sub-5% craft Bier I have had in a LONG time.

Hats off to Jamie and David for this one. An absolute gem in my book. I would have this one on [not-so] slow drip intravenous if I could rig it. Well worth the trip to Charleston but I will be happier when they will be able to distribute to the Upstate.

Zum wohl!

Serving type: on-tap

06-08-2008 17:23:06 | More by goindownsouth

ncvbc

North Carolina

4.83/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I was lucky enough to try this at Coast today and while I liked each of the three I tried this was probably the favorite. My first taste of their beer and certainly not my last.

Straw to golden in color with a big head and lively carbonation. Some lacing down this nice COAST pint glass. Very clear and bright, shimmering color.

Smell is fairly subtle and of wheat and grain. A soft hop presence of lemon zest and grassy notes and also a little yeast. Inviting to say the least.

Very flavorful stuff. Good lingering hop bitterness riding along a very clean flavor profile. Grain, wheat, somewhat biscuity, and a little fruity twang to it. Also a hint of peppery spice. Very clean, refreshing finish with the slightest dryness.

About as drinkable as they come. Multiple pints of this were no problem and you don't have to worry about it sneaking up on you later. Session defined.

This is quite the enjoyable brew, especially with the warmer months coming up. I'm very glad to have tried this. It would be cool if this got bottled because not only is the beer great but the label would be nice, too.

Serving type: on-tap

03-31-2008 01:36:03 | More by ncvbc

softcough

South Carolina

4.88/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Sampled both on tap and from a growler.

Truly exceptional representation of the style. The best Kolsch I've ever had outside Germany and perhaps still the best even within.

Beautiful color, elegant head. Nice citrus notes in the aroma. Taste and mouthfeel are perfectly refreshing. Delicate but pronounced hints of citrus fruit, wheaty cereal notes and spice.

Could drink a great deal of this. If only they would bottle this beer it would be the ultimate summer outing brew.

Serving type: on-tap

03-29-2008 17:02:06 | More by softcough

kkipple

South Carolina

4.38/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap super fresh just after the release from Coast. Coast is a new venture in Charleston, and the idea is to bring eco-friendly, organic craft brews to the beach. I admit I was quite curious to try the new brews, and approached their launch with high hopes. Beach beer has a reputation for being a bit boring, and I was secretly hoping Coast would buck the prevailing trend. How glad I am to report that if the initial batches are any indication, Coast is off to a very good start indeed. But, on to the review.

The 32/50 -- what's that you say? Yeah, I wanted to know too. I was told the 32/50 refers to longitude and latitude. Makes sense when you lookit a map.

Anyway, the 32/50 hits my glass and foams up; a hazy, yellow-gold beer with a bright fluffly white head that settles down quickly, leaving a bit of lacing.

Nose into the glass, I get lemon-citrus, some grain and wheat, mild bitter hops and a grassy, ever so slightly yeasty note. The smell is good, clean with no off flavors and screams "refreshing".

32/50 tastes great, and that's high praise coming from someone who is pretty ambivalent towards Kolsch on a good day. Too many American breweries do it wrong, but this is a big step in the right direction. Fizzy, light fluffy beer flares up in my mouth, with a rush of tasty yet subdued flavors. Wheat, light malt, gentle hop bitterness, and simple fresh grain all make an appearance. The overall impression is a light, simple, eminently drinkable beer. It's easygoing, yet avoids being boring.

Mouthfeel is quite active, the carbonation blows up in my mouth, leaving a creaminess that's quite delightful. Finish is soft sour citrus with a touch of wheat / grain.

I admit I had this about as fresh as you're going to get it -- I was standing 20 feet away from the fermenter -- but even so, Coast has knocked this out of the park. It's a perfect example of how to "Americanize" a style. Liven up the flavor, maybe up the alcohol, break a few rules (like not filtering this one completely), but keep what was great about the style in the first place; in this case the drinkability and lightness of character.

This is an excellent beer. Far better than the Kolsch offerings from Harpoon and Flying Dog, you'd do well to seek this one out when on the Charleston beach. I look forward to the day I can take a few cans of this down to the waterfront...

Serving type: on-tap

10-22-2007 04:58:14 | More by kkipple

MarkSCCOT

South Carolina

4.1/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

This is a take on the Kolsch style by David Merritt, a former brewer for Palmetto Brewing and the Head Brewer/Owner of Coast Brewing.
Davis and his wife, Jamie were active in the legislative movement to get the abv cap raised here in SC. Once this movement succeeded, the damn broke and great craft beer flooded into the state.

A. A great yellow hazy brew with a moderate head and slight lacing.

S. Good healthy malt background with a hint of hop. A clean fruity aroma.

T. Very true to the style with a clean finish. On the negative, I heard a beer fan state "it could have used a week." When I stopped by earlier in the week they were still filtering the beer with the deadline of their opening looming on the horizon. I will follow this beer in the future and I know it will only continue to refine itself.

M. Very clean and refreshing finish. Among the non-"Hop Heads" at this opening, this was a favorite. Need I say more?

D. Very drinkable, very clean, very true to Kolsches. This is a style that the US has wrongly not yet embraced.

A great light session beer!!!!

Serving type: on-tap

10-21-2007 00:07:56 | More by MarkSCCOT

zac16125

South Carolina

4.3/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

growler into a pilsner glass

A: Pours a crystal clear, very light yellow, almost Chardonnay colored. Tons of carbonation bubbles can be seen racing up the glass, similar to a pour of champagne. 1.5 fingers width of bright white head hangs around for the majority of the drink and leaves tons of honeycomb lacing.

S: Aroma is bready, biscuity, slightly vinous like dry white wine. Some spice, and grassy hops. For such a light, generally simple, style this has a lot going on. Im impressed so far.

T: Pale-type malts, sweet citrus, bready, mild hop spice/bitterness, there is a yeasty presence thats almost Belgium-esque, a moderate degree of spice. Again, surprisingly complex for the style. Really enjoyable.

M/D: Light, crisp, moderately heavy carbonation which is appropriate, somewhat drying. Great drinkability.

O: Ive had tons of COAST beers, but have always passed on this one because I generally am not a fan of the style. But wow, what a surprise this is. For a style thats generally pretty blah, this one is excellent! A light, refreshing beer thats also complex and big on flavor. This one's a winner.

Serving type: growler

04-13-2013 21:01:25 | More by zac16125

patre_tim

China

4.65/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

A: Bright yellow urine like colour, 1 finger white head. Clear filtered, almost no carbonation.

S: Malt, white grape, dry and wine like.

T: Malt, bitter, white grape, white wine, long bitter finnish following the initial bitter in quality. The bitterness is like a white grape fruit rind (as opposed to ruby red) toned down in strength. Dry finnish.

M: balance of body and carbonation makes it smooth. It’s a medium light body with medium low carbonation. Dry finnish.

O: Very pleasant, very balanced, to me it’s a great representation of this style. Keeps me sipping. Would go well with light meats like chicken breast with mozzerella.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2013 17:26:25 | More by patre_tim

steveh

Illinois

4.08/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A new beer from a new brewery I'd never heard of. Thanks again to Herr B. for a great trade.

22 ounce bomber, bottled on 8.26.12.

A -- Hazy pale straw color with a fluffy, long-lasting white head.

S -- Spicy hops right up front, my bet is on Hallertauer, maybe Tettnang. Mild DMS and some mellow grains.

T -- The flavor is very interesting; starting with the spicy hops and some mellow fruit esters folding into some grainy characters and mineral water then smooth, mellow Pils malt -- almost sweet. The finish is somewhat citric with spicy bitterness in the aftertaste and a lingering graininess from wheat malt.

M -- The mouthfeel is smooth to crisp with a light body and dry finish.

O -- A definite keeper and good quaffer over any long-haul. Delicious enough to keep you wanting another swallow without being overbearing on the palate.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2012 21:04:59 | More by steveh

Jamesthebrit

Michigan

3.95/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Hazy lemon color. Head is minimal but stays for a good amount of time.

S: Light on the smell. A little lemon and yeast.

T: Smooth, lemon, yeast, good hop backbone. Balanced well. A lot of flavors for a lighter beer. Malt is there but not overpowering.

M: Sits great for a light beer. The bubbles are light on the palate and a good amount of malt comes through.

Overall a great go at the style. A good blend of flavors and has the perfect amount of body for a lighter beer. COAST seems to make some killer beers: I recommend grabbing one if you ever see it.

Serving type: bottle

10-16-2012 20:48:37 | More by Jamesthebrit

ThisWangsChung

Maryland

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

Thanks to Momar42 for the bottle! About 6 oz poured into a beer mug.

A: Pours a light straw color with a surprising amount of cloudiness and strong looking carbonation. The head is a two finger white color with good retention and texturing.

S: Grassy hops and neutral malts - it doesn't blow me away with its aroma, but I can tell it's a very high quality product.

T: Incredibly smooth, with an initial hit of lemony esters. I love the finish, it's just about perfectly bitter with the grassy hops and balanced delicately. Slight touches of subtle complexity add to the experience of this. Just insanely good, plain and simple.

M: Light, crisp, refreshing, and just amazing. I have nothing to complain about here, it's so drinkable and easygoing without being boring.

O: Oh, wow. This one lives up to the hype in my opinion - I could totally kill multiple bombers of this in an hour's time; the drinkability is insane. I'm gonna search this one out in the future.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2012 20:12:21 | More by ThisWangsChung

RussBecker1

4.08/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Most important in tasting Coast's 32/50 is to first understand the purpose of this particular brew. This Kolsch is exceptionally light on the palate and is meant as more of a cleansing agent than a pairing beer. Upon knowing and appreciating that, one will find that it does its job exceptionally well.

From a personal standpoint, pilsners have never struck much of a chord with me as I have always found them to be rather bland and lifeless. This particular pils has changed my mind entirely as it still manages to encapsulate the classic pils smells and tastes while adding many layers of intricacy. The nicest part about the brew however is the fact that it enhances whatever you may eat or drink following the beer as your palate is freshened and clear of any distracting agents. I will certainly have this again.

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2012 22:47:07 | More by RussBecker1

theveganbrewer

Oregon

4.48/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Picked up in a 22 ounce bottle for 6.99 at the Whole foods in MT. Pleasant.

Light yellow in color with fluffy white head that dissipatesbfairly quickly. Nice lacing. Streams of carbonation running up the sides.

Aroma has hints of fruit, possibly apple, along with some spicy hops and a little sulphur along with wheat.

Taste is quite well balanced with a creamy softness in the malt combined withbsome spice from the hops and a slight tartness. Very dry, leaving gums quite dry. Slight bitterness lingers after sipping.

Happy I picked this up when I was in town, it seems to stand up to its good reviews.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2012 06:17:28 | More by theveganbrewer

JCaweinstein

Ohio

4.18/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pale yellow in color, very nice one finger creamy white head, lots of carbonation. This looks very refreshing and adds some decent lacing down the glass as well.
On the aroma side of this I smell wheat and a wonderful herbal hop aroma.
The taste starts with wheat followed by a slight touch of honey and finishes with the slightest herbal hop flavor.
This is a light bodied beer, it's crisp too. Starts with the wheat and finishes with herbal, flowery hops and honey and leaves almost no aftertaste.
This is an extremely pleasant beer for the summer season and one I would love to enjoy again.

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2012 02:14:03 | More by JCaweinstein

Momar42

Maryland

4.38/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle dated 051112 poured into a Spaten stange.

Tried to find this one on tap but my timing didnt work out so it's a bottle I go:

A - very light, cloudy yellow. Billowy head with tight, tiny bubbles that fades but leaves nice lacing down the glass.

S - lemons, wheat, slight barnyard. A tartness is present but faint. Suprisingly good nose for such a mild style. Spiceness and wheat are upfront.

T - taste follows the nose. Almost like a light german wheat beer. Not really a fan of this style but I find myself wanting to drink more of this. I have a quest for a good drinking, flavorful summer brew and I think I may have a winner.

M - light to medium. Carbonation brings a nice balance and the finish is so smooth.

O - I have to admit that I am not real familiar with this style, and my expectations were low. This offering from COAST really exceeded them by alot. I am glad I got two bottles so I can enjoy it again later. A really good summer brew that can be enjoyed anytime. If you can get your hands on this, do yourself a favor and grab it.

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2012 02:22:42 | More by Momar42

AleWatcher

Illinois

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

Bomber into stange.
Glorious looking beer; pale straw-colored yellow with a slight haze to it and a stark white head of two shiny fingers.
Smells of a little grainy malt bill with a light honey-touched wheat note. Very dry, musty white grape-like finish. The flavor is nice and refreshing with a crisp bitterness at the backend.

Feels medium-bodied and well carbonated. Just about right.

Overall-- this is a great Kolsch. Maybe not the best I've had, but absolutely worth drinking. I'll be happy to have this one again.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2012 23:41:21 | More by AleWatcher

woosterbill

Connecticut

4.45/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

3-week-old bomber into a Duvel tulip. Huge thanks to Modernartblues for hooking me up with this one, a long-time want.

A: Slightly hazed straw body under a finger of frothy white head. Ok retention, nice lace. Pretty good.

S: Crisp, clean, balanced aroma of herbal + lemony hops on top of subtle, bready malt. Simple, to style, and terrific.

T: Opens with a bit of hop bite but quickly opens into a rich, clean, crackery malt midsection. The finish has a touch of spice, some moderate hop bitterness, and a lovely undertone of clean minerality. Absolutely delicious and refreshing.

M: Soft, light, bubbly. Excellent.

O: Incredible beer. I wish I could get cans of this all the time, as I might drink nothing else in the summer - I can only imagine it's great year-round in SC. It's got all the crisp refreshment of a great Pils combined with the fruity hop punch of a pale ale, all wrapped up in a supremely drinkable sub-5% package. We have a winner.

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2012 01:58:23 | More by woosterbill