Endless River - Mother Earth Brewing

JayQue

Virginia

3.4/5  rDev -13.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This is a style that doesn't get too exciting but the Mother Earth version is not bad either. Pours a clear gold with a decent size white head (on a hard pour). Lacing is pretty good. The aroma is mild maltiness, fairly subdued.

The taste is malty with a little grassy hops in the finish. Pleasant and refreshing. Mouthfeel is crisp, the little bitterness at the end is good. Drinkability is fine. Would be a decent enough session beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-12-2010 11:57:37 | More by JayQue

righthereisay

Pennsylvania

3.15/5  rDev -19.8%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

OK, preface....Kolsch's are not my favorite style.

With that said, this was OK. Gto this while in Emerald Isle, NC.

I thought it smelled rather cheap. Almost like smelling a low end party beer.

Some citrus, lots of hops, a bit too grainy maybe.

Not too much body at all, like I said maybe this is the way it is supposed to be.

I rated the Drinkability higher as it does go down smooth and I could see drinking these all night.

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2010 01:15:26 | More by righthereisay

clayrock81

Virginia

3.68/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A good, clean orangish body that is well-carb'd w/ sticking head on top of a strong, peppery almost sour fruit like aroma as well as minor sweet malts. Light-bodied and slightly smooth and creamy w/ some minor fruit sweetness like grape can candy apple as well as sour notes. Mixed w/ a touch of sweet malt for balance and hop bitterness and carbonation lead to a sharp spicey backbite. A fairly good and sessionable kolsch that is decent rep of this style.

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2010 10:23:15 | More by clayrock81

akorsak

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

My second run-in with Mother Earth, a 12 oz bottle from Chip's.

A: The kolsch is a golden yellow color, watered down apple juice. Despite the pale color, the ale is hazy. A finger of white head from the initial pour has left interconnected strands of lace around the glass.

S: The nose is driven by pale malts and a mild fruity aroma. Very delicate, the ale struggles at times to muster up any aroma.

T: Thankfully the taste doesn't shy away, offering up clean breadiness and a moderate hoppiness from the start. The hops are crisp and floral, small in stature but long in presence. The dry bitterness that they bring to the table lasts long after a sip is gone.

M: The mouthfeel is controlled by the hoppy side of the ale. A nice bite lingers. The bready malts tamp down any unusual flavors.

D: Another nice session with Mother Earth. Solid drinkable beers if you were to ask my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2010 19:24:12 | More by akorsak

CBlack85

South Carolina

4/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into my OMB stange

This beer pours a crystal clear pale yellow/straw color with a tall wispy white head that recedes rather quickly and leaves very little lacing.

The aroma is of bready grains and floral earthy hops. There is also a slight hint of sweet fruit and maybe a bit of honey. The nose is fairly light but quite inviting.

The taste is very much like the nose; bready and toasty grains and floral hops. Like the nose there is also a slightly sweet flavor, more honey than fruit. Light/medium bodied and moderately carbonated. Very easy to drink and enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2010 17:20:43 | More by CBlack85

ExMachina1

Tennessee

4.38/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Wow! This is a fantastic Kolsch. Very surprising, as this is a new brewery and the Kolsch style is not too forgiving when it comes to flaws and shortcomings.

The beer pours a nice, clear golden straw color with plenty of carbonation and a nice head that settles into a continuous layer of light foam during the drink. Lacing is moderate.

Aroma is fruity and floral with a vague hint of yeast. It's malty and mildly sweet on the palate. A perfect, crisp finish.

Low ABV makes it a real champ on a lazy afternoon--I went through bottles and was none the worse for wear. This is what a Kolsch is all about!

Impressive beer from an impressive new brewery. Looking forward to watching Mother Earth Brewing grow.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2010 12:50:58 | More by ExMachina1

mothman

Saskatchewan (Canada)

3.88/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to jahuneyc for this extra

Poured into Sam Adams Sensory Glass

Pours 1/2 finger of white head that fades to a thin layer. Very light lace left. Color is a hazy pale straw yellow.

Aroma: Crisp, pale malts, a light fruit aroma flavors. Some herbal earthy hop flavors.

Taste: Pale malts, crisp fresh fruit flavors. Maybe a hint of apples and grapefruit. Herbal spiced hops. Refreshing for a nice summer day. Also get some lemon flavors

Mouthfeel: Crisp with a touch of bitterness. Lighter bodied with a medium amount of carbonation. Very nice feel to it. Ends a bit dry.

Overall, a very easy drinking Kolsch. Lots of nice flavors with an easy drinking body. Very refreshing. This is one for the lakes! Thanks Jason for this new beer!

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2010 00:55:20 | More by mothman

tempest

Pennsylvania

3.65/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Picked up a single bottle while at the Outer Banks. Bottled in 5/10.

This is surprisingly hoppy for a kolsch. It's full of dull grapefruit and herbal spice. The typical, subtle fruit flavors are gone for a dark bread crust malt flavor. The beer doesn't taste bad, it just doesn't taste like a kolsch at all. It's good, but don't expect anything traditional. Worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2010 23:12:46 | More by tempest

JohnQVegas

Tennessee

4.1/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle (from Bruisin' Ales) into pint glass. Lucky to have grabbed two great local Kolsches in this trip - one of my favorite (and in my opinion, most underrated) styles around.

Pours pale yellow, a bit hazy, with a thinnish half-inch white fizzy head that settles into not much more than a batch of white suds fairly quickly.

Nose is a bit herbal, almost earthy, alongside a raw-grain-like super-pale malt note.

Taste is very clean - lightly sweet, grainy, ultra-pale malt note sets the perfect tone to pair with the light but bright fruity citrus notes, and subtle grassy hop presence. Maybe just a hint of sulphur. Finish carries just a bit of bitterness, more hop flavor than bitterness, some light cereal grainy notes. Really nicely put together beer that hits all the right notes.

Mouthfeel is medium-light, coarse but light carbonation, clean finish with just a bit of bitterness.

Drinkability is, as per usual for the style, excellent. Not quite on par with the COAST offering I just finished because of the minor sulphur presence, but really, there's not much of a limit as to how much of this I could drink before getting tired of it. Tasty, tasty beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2010 20:57:58 | More by JohnQVegas

plaid75

New York

4/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a dark straw hue with a two finger foamy white head. There was good retention and lacing.

The smell featured a light grassy hop and soft, yet grainy malt.

The taste well balanced with a relatively assertive noble hop and moderate grainy malt.

The mouthfeel was perfect for the style.

Overall a very well done kolsch.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2010 21:46:41 | More by plaid75

blackie

Virginia

3.98/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a: curved tyranena pint, pale golden in color, really thin head with almost no retention

s: clean lager body, crisp noble hop aroma, well structured kolsch

m: carbonation light-medium, lighter bodied

t: lager malt body, light and balanced without lacking flavor, ending with a crisp noble hop touch

d: no problem at all

single from Sam's, Durham

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2010 02:43:29 | More by blackie

oberon

North Carolina

3.78/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Days like today here in Carolina are days to drink a good kolsch,warm and lazy.Poured into a standard pint glass,a light pale yellow with a thinner but well defined white head,quite spritzy looking.Toasted grain aromas with a hint of vanilla tinge,flavors are again lightly toasty with a cereal grain-like note,a light quenching tartness in the finish.A nice kolsch here,not just something to throw back by any means,nice flavor.

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2010 20:30:02 | More by oberon

NCSUdo

Massachusetts

4.75/5  rDev +20.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

12 oz bottle

A: Clear pale yellow under a very small white head. No lace, some retention.

S: Sweet, vinous, hints of malt and maybe a pine like hop. Very clean, very balanced.

T: Again, clean and baanced. Vinous, slightly sweet, a little malty, hop bitterness is medium, dry, crisp. Really excellent for me.

M/D: Light to medium bodied, carbonation is bordering on high. Excellent drinkability. This is a very good Kolsch in my opinion, and I would put it up against any domestic Kolsch out there. A beer like this gives me high hops for Mother Earth moving forward.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2010 00:06:12 | More by NCSUdo

devilben02

North Carolina

4/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Maybe because of a few bad examples of the style I've had before, I had convinced myself that Kölsch is just not a style I enjoy. This beer makes me consider rethinking my stance.

Pours a crystal golden color that is quite similar to a glass of apple juice with a substantial, cream-colored head that leaves a sticky trail along the wall of the glass long after it has evaporated. The aroma is crisp and inviting, with a hint of hops that is earthy (and approaching musty) and a sweetness that I would again compare to apple juice or maybe a semi-sweet white wine.

The flavor is definitely beer, though. The dry sweetness from the aroma isn't as apparent, as I am more aware of the soft, earthy hop character and a bit of biscuit from the malt and yeast. The texture is quite smooth, but at the same time pleasantly tingly with its soft carbonation. Overall, this one is mild without being watery, making it a light and enjoyable selection.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2010 15:28:10 | More by devilben02

cvstrickland

North Carolina

4/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The stylishly-clad 12-ounce bottle pours brightly-clear and pale golden with a torrent of lazy streamers of internal carbonation feeding a finger-thick bone-white head. A fine-grained sheet tattered to lacing etches the passing of the drink onto the inner walls of my Kolsch cylinder.

The aroma is snappy and white wine-like with a touch of mellowing unidentifiable floral fruitiness. The sweet light-kilned malty backbone is augmented with a grassy herbal hop note.

The flavor is mildly vinous without acidity, softly malty-sweet, and a touch fruity. An assertive, floral-grassy hop bitterness kicks in right away and takes command of the ship in the drying finish.

The drink is light-bodied, softly carbonated, and extremely easy to drink. Good beer, classy labeling and such, but a bit expensive at over 12 bucks a sixer.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2010 15:56:16 | More by cvstrickland

wagenvolks

Texas

3.7/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12oz bottle (courtesy of a trade with atsprings) into a Michelob pilsner glass--currently the closest thing I own to a strange.

"Endless Rivers" of carbonation rise up through a clear, straw-golden body. Small yeast particles are stratified throughout, while the eggshell-white head starts small and retreats to an asymmetrical patch of large bubbles. Scant lacing. Sharp, crisp aromas of pilsner malt and herbal, grassy hops with a mineral-rich backing. Hints of white grape juice and orange peel thrown in the mix as well.

Somewhat bland flavor, even for a kölsch, and even as Endless River warms. Saltine crackers and pilsner malt lay down a light, bready foundation upon which a sharp, grassy hop bitterness is built (soapy-tasting on the way back up). Carbonation is big and bubbly, contrasting nicely against the light body, and adds a snappy, zesty, almost drying bite to the finish. An easy-drinking kölsch, for sure, but I expected a bit more out of Mother Earth considering the steep price tag and the precedent set by their Sisters of the Moon IPA.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2009 06:27:03 | More by wagenvolks

kkipple

South Carolina

4.1/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle picked up from the wondrous Brawley's Beverage.

A. Crrrrystal clear light gold. Light and fluffy white head that sadly doesn't last long. Very fizzy in the glass. Other than the sadly gone-too-soon head, nice looking.

S. Mineral water-ish, light and floral, notes of honey, pale malt sweetness and ever-so mild hop bitterness. Light, refreshing, quite clean.

T. Delicious and quite to style. Light and floral, dry, fine interplay of hops and delicate malt. Everything is quite balanced, the mark of a good (read: restrained) recipe. Well-attenuated Good water, or something, this is quite soft and easy to drink. No DMS, not overly hopped -- a fine example of a good (fresh!) Kolsch.

M / D. Possibly under-carbonated, otherwise light bodied, dry, refreshing with a fine hop-bitter and gentle malt sweetness. Easy to return to again and again.

This is quite frankly hard to improve on for the classic Kolsch style, which is growing on me by leaps and bounds. This was fresh (and has a bottled-on date, fantastic!) which is half the battle with getting good Kolsch. This takes a more traditional tack than say, Coast's 32/50. My advice to the Powers-that-Brew:

Improve head longevity and head retention.
Take a look at carbonation in bottle, perhaps increase it?

And bingo! A classic East-Coast Kolsch. Right now, I'm hard pressed to think of one I've enjoyed much more than Endless River.

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2009 23:01:33 | More by kkipple

callisbeers

North Carolina

4/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I will start by saying that this is generally not my style of beer but I bought a mixer of all their beers. Also, this should probably be reviewed during the summer months after a long, hot day outside. I found this beer to be very refreshing and light. Beautiful gold color with a nice head on top. Everything tasted just right. I may have this as my go to summer beer when they put it on tap for home kegs.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2009 20:21:54 | More by callisbeers

jacket_fan

Georgia

2.86/5  rDev -27.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured aggressively from a growler into a pint glass

A
More amber than yellow. Little lace after pouring.

S
Earthy and straw like. Not appealing to me and not what I recall from the growler store.

T
This is my first Kolsch. Not what I was expecting and now not a favorite. If this is a lager I am missing something. While not bitter, there is an interesting, center of the tongue bite that is unusual.

O
A new style of beer for me and not one that hit the spot. Obviously others liked this beer, but it did not suit my taste. Perhaps it sat in the growler too long. I went skiing in Montana.and left it in the fridge opened. Will have to revisit Kolschs in the future to make a final decision.

Serving type: growler

02-11-2013 00:49:08 | More by jacket_fan

jsprain1

Minnesota

4.35/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A- Pretty much clear golden, slightly lighter than honey. Head is thin one finger that lasts not quite long enough.
S- Aroma is reminiscent of apple peel, a touch floral (actually not altogether different than Easter lillies I smelt today), and a bit of crackery malt.
T- Initially I'm picking up some doughy and crackery malt, with just a touch of sweetness in it. There is a bit of slightly tart apple flavor in there. Just a touch grassy.
M- Light, but you expect that from the style, pretty even-keeled carbonation, perhaps a touch prickly. Clean finish.
O- Right near the top of the list of kolschs. Definite recomendation for a sessionable beer high on flavor.

Serving type: on-tap

04-25-2011 03:56:04 | More by jsprain1

thagr81us

South Carolina

3.03/5  rDev -22.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Served from tap into a sampler shaker. Poured golden yellow with a one finger pure white head. Maintained decent lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, banana, and wheat. The flavor was of sweet malt, banana, wheat, slight grain, and water. It had a light feel on the palate with low carbonation. Overall this was a decent brew, but that is being nice. This one was pretty weak in just about all aspects if I'm honest. Could definitely be A LOT more robust. It would make a good summer brew or gateway beer, but that is about it.

Serving type: on-tap

04-01-2011 18:54:19 | More by thagr81us

mactrail

California

4.03/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Breezy crisp light ale.

Great aroma of alfalfa and that pollen smell of early fruit tree blossoms. Honey in the malt. Very light body. Really reminds me of Kolsch we tried in Germany; more authentic to me than some other American versions. Rather hoppy with a lingering bitterness. Tangy with nice hint of malt in the nose.

Tasted on tap at Louella's BBQ place in Asheville, NC. Worth a visit if you're hungry and want to try a decent selection of beers on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

03-21-2011 03:27:16 | More by mactrail

thegodfather2701

North Carolina

3.98/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A-Pours a clear yellow with a bright white fizzy head.

S-The nose reminds me of a pilsner, it smells like saaz hops and some malt. Nothing over powering at all.

T-Similar to the nose with the pilsner like flavor, but it is somewhat faint and then in the finish is a Belgian yeast flavor. I really liked the flavor of this beer, it is very refreshing.

M-Nice mouthfeel its not too watery/carbonated and not to syrupy.

D-Highly sessionable given its low abv. and flavor.

Overall, this was my first experience drinking a Mother Earth brew and I will be drinking more in the future. I actually picked up a six pack of their India Pale Ale this afternoon and can't wait to try it. Endless River seems like a great beer for Spring/Summer, especially for those such as myself who don't really care for wheat beers. I hope BA's in NC will support this brewery.

Serving type: on-tap

04-19-2010 20:46:24 | More by thegodfather2701

Onenote81

North Carolina

3.95/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap at the First St. Draught House in town. Came out a crystal clear gold with a thin white head on top. No sticky lace left behind. Scents of corn, butter, lemon zest, and sharp hops.

The body is crisp and bubbly. Refreshing feel. Great lemony flavor right away. Silky buttery feel. Some bready biscuit aftertaste. Definite noble hops present as well. I really like this beer. This style is quickly becoming one of my go-to's, and this one is a great example.

Serving type: on-tap

04-19-2010 19:14:21 | More by Onenote81

atsprings

North Carolina

3.65/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap at Flying Saucer Raleigh on Nov. 30 served in a standard pint glass and reviewed from notes. Served a crisp straw yellow with a thin diminishing head. Aroma is sweet malts and Earthy hops, taste is more of the same, holding pretty true to the style. The beer is quite light, crisp, smooth and refreshing. This one was quite enjoyable, one I'd love to enjoy more of, especially in the warmer months.

Serving type: on-tap

12-10-2009 09:31:14 | More by atsprings