Reissdorf Kölsch - Brauerei Heinrich Reissdorf

Weizenmensch

Japan

2.98/5  rDev -22.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

Although two breweries in my town provide their interpretation of the Kölsch style, it's nice to have a real German one once in a while, even if it is exactly eight months past the mindestens haltbar bis date (15.10.06). Also, I'm drinking from a 0,33L bottle, not the halbe Liter bottle pictured above.

A: Clear straw body with a head of very fine bubbles, low-moderate carbonation (also very fine), strong lacing but fairly low head retention. I would have hoped it would hold a head a little bit better.

S: As soon as I started pouring this brew, the strong, distinctive, sweet smell of pear hit me. Pear esters are unusual and pleasing. In the glass, there are aromas of dried apple, slightly grassy-and-skunky Hallertau hops, and possibly date. More fruity than I expected, and quite different from the two locally-brewed Kölsches!

T: This doesn't taste as interesting as it smells. This is clearly a beer that's better consumed fresh - perhaps that's why there's a law in Germany that you can't brew a Kölsch more than 50km from the Cologne Cathedral - so more people will drink it on tap or at least on site.
Anyway, I'm unhappy with this. Based on others' reviews, I'll try it again, but not the way out of date imported variety.

M: From the first sip, the mouthfeel is disappointingly flat. Maybe it's the beer's age, or maybe it tastes like that normally. A pity.

D: It goes down all right, if they all tasted like this I'd probably be sick of Reissdorf after two or three - hopefully I can go and live in Cologne one day and give this ale a more thorough review there!

Serving type: bottle

06-16-2007 11:19:41 | More by Weizenmensch

MONKandTUCK

Pennsylvania

2.98/5  rDev -22.8%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A- A birght straw color, amazing clarity. Delicate lacing. Thick foamy, persistent head. Clearer than my windshield mirror. The perfect image of beer.

A - Confusing. This is very bready. It's clean, not much yeast. Still, I pick up the scent of fresh-from-the-oven rolls. There's no hops - as expected. And not yeast - very unexpected. Kinda throws the perception of something chewy and malty.

T - Some grassy Pils flavor followed by the taste of pear jam or cobbler. This finish is oddly fruity. This beer doesn't have the baking-dough quality of English Ales, but it finishes as fruity as a street bazaar. This ale is almost closer to a Wit than anything British.

M - Drinkable. It's less than 5% alc and not terribly carbonated. I cannot complain about the body. Still, I don't find it favorable.

O - Nice to try, but I am not sure it was worth the price. The fruitness of it didn't win me over. I would welcome this beer in the summer months, but beyond the un-aspiring qualification of thirst-quencher, this beer offers little.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2012 03:46:02 | More by MONKandTUCK

Andreji

Colombia

3/5  rDev -22.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Its become unavoidable, in this week's visit to Köln, for me to believe the word kölsch as a synonym with mediocre. That's my opinion when I think of this brew which rather impersonates a simple, light bodied lager like brew with a hint of a refreshing acidity to it. However, it is in itself rather flat despite the head; rather tasteless despite the properties, and without even an overdoing in the hops- which is a general way to pick them up the ground. I'm done with reissdorf for a while or a lifetime, even if coming back to cologne.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2004 12:06:52 | More by Andreji

hoegaardenhero

California

3/5  rDev -22.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

a: nice gold color with decent movement but very minimal head

s: light sweet malt scents with a very delicate hop afterthought

t: pretty subtle, tastes of straw and sweet grains

m: a little syrupy with medium carbonation

d: not amazing but definitely pretty decent for a style that is overall uninspired

Serving type: on-tap

02-04-2008 06:12:40 | More by hoegaardenhero

mikeg67

New Jersey

3/5  rDev -22.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

500 ml bottle. Pours golden, with a large white head and soda like carbonation. Aroma of pear, light perfume hops and some malt. Medium, crisp body with light perfume hops, juicy malt and ripe fruit fill the mouth. Practically no finish. Should be good, refreshing, not memorable, summer beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2010 20:36:40 | More by mikeg67

jdhilt

New Hampshire

3.03/5  rDev -21.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours with a one-finger white head, fades quickly but leaves some lace. Clear, golden amber color with a faint hoppy nose. Medium carbonation, starts with a balance of hops and malt and makes a hoppy finish. Clean and light bodied. $2.50 for a 500ml bottle.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2004 01:21:35 | More by jdhilt

kojevergas

California

3.03/5  rDev -21.5%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served on-draught into a tulip at Beachwood BBQ. Reviewed from notes.

A: Pours a one finger head of slight cream, fair thickness, and bad retention. Colour is a clear yellow.

Sm: Barley and straw - that's it. A moderate strength aroma.

T: Straw, full barley, light cream, and slight hops. Not real complex by any means, but pleasant. Pretty well balanced and built.

Mf: Smooth, wet, and sharp. Substandard for the style.

Dr: Very drinkable. Good quality. I won't have it again, but it's enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

12-02-2011 05:18:46 | More by kojevergas

cbl2

New York

3.05/5  rDev -21%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearance:

Pours a clear pale gold with a half inch of white head that leaves behind tiny lace as it settles slowly.

Smell:

Crisp and clean with a faint amount of malt presence. Hops are not detectable.

Taste/Mouthfeel:

Very macro beer like. No flavors jump out and proclaim themselves. It is clean, and drinkable, with a whiff of floral flavor on the finish, preceeded by bland uninspiring malts. Not worth a second glance.

Note:

I haven't had a German brew in a while, and I'm beginning to think the 1516 Bavarian law has boxed them into making beers just to style, but with no inspiration. There was nothing at all special about this beer. It wasn't that it was bad, it just was...

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2004 21:03:50 | More by cbl2

mpyle

Maryland

3.05/5  rDev -21%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

App - Very pale gold, brilliantly clear. Moderate sized white head, creamy and with good retention.

Aroma - a bit of noble hop aroma, and some subtle malt. Very slightly fruity (apple), but overall quite clean.

Flav - A disagreeable bitterness from the start, with a bit of copper penny late. Finishes dry and bitter, and a bit papery (oxidation)

MF - Medium body and carbonation. Some definite oxidation character felt on sides of tongue

D'ability - Not sure how long this beer sat on the shelves in Boulder, but clearly not fresh. Age of samples makes flavor and MF reviews potentially not representative. I poured out the last half of the 500 mL bottle - enough said.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2008 21:39:18 | More by mpyle

UnionMade

Colorado

3.08/5  rDev -20.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

The beer arrived looking a slightly hazy golden yellow, with a thick frothy white head. The head died down fairly quickly, leaving only a thin ring around the edges.
Aroma is malty, with a solid german hopping. Clean, with little esters. Simple, but everything was in it's right place.
Flavor is initially malty, with hops appearing about halfway through the sip and finishing the beer crisp and clean. Almost no aftertaste, save a touch of pale malt. Well carbonated and refreshing. Kolsch is a wonderful style, when it's done correctly...

Serving type: on-tap

08-15-2003 05:34:05 | More by UnionMade

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.08/5  rDev -20.2%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Bit of cheesy aroma greets you on a pale yellow lager with moderate head. Fair taste, a tad sweet and dry but satisfying. Smooth somewhat creamy and drying mouthfeel, I have had much creamier kolsch and want something hoppier as well. At 4.8% a session ale and a good summer lawnmower choice.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2007 21:33:29 | More by northyorksammy

TheLongBeachBum

California

3.1/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Reissdorf Kölsch. Brown Bottle. Red Oval Germanic looking main label. 500ml.

Appearance: A very light, straw golden color. The exceptionally clear presentation coupled with its pale aura may put some off with its overall “watered down” look. Very thin white head that surrenders quickly to a clinging scum covering.

Smell: Dominated by a toasted biscuit malt, but by no means strong. Quite light in strength. I keep inhaling – but there is not much else.

Taste: Again, it has a malt characteristic with some toasted aspects. Dry and short lived, the taste finishes with a delicate fruitiness. Laid back, a little too laid back for my preference.

Mouthfeel: Astringent but very thin, unassuming presence which lacks confidence. Crisp and Clean.

Drinkability: Highly quaffable, due more to its light character rather than its attractive taste profile. It makes a good, very refreshing bier for the hot Southern Californian afternoons.

Overall: Whilst I appreciate that this is a Kölsch Bier, I feel that it is just a little too delicate, I would have liked it to have a bit oomph in both the Nose and the Taste. Still, it is not a bad offering.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2003 20:34:53 | More by TheLongBeachBum

BierReise

Florida

3.1/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Never had this style but it seems just like any German lager to me. Does have a sight hop presence in the aroma but only slightly bitter tasting. Kind of bland for an ale with little flavor. Fresh tasting none the less and a good thirst quencher that went well with a German style lunch.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2003 22:17:19 | More by BierReise

surcorx

Illinois

3.1/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

The appearance is rich yellow with a slight foamy head that quickly dissipates. It is exactly what one would expect for this style. The smell is more complex than one might expect however. It is filled with subtle tones of herbs, cheap chardonnay, fruit and medicine. It's taste is not much different. But that is not such a bad thing. It is a refreshing drink. You could drink several of them on a warm day. It reminds me of most American beer. It is clean, refreshing, watery and very drinkable. The only problem I have is that it has an odd taste of mold buried in the mix that I find obviously objectionable. I would drink another though if it presented itself.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2006 08:44:29 | More by surcorx

OatherS

Kansas

3.13/5  rDev -18.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Bottle from a four pack purchased at John's Grocery. Red labeled bottle.

Appearance: Very clear golden color. One finger head that faded somewhat quickly.

Smell: Somewhat of a normal "beer" smell. Nothing extroidanary.

Taste: Similar to the taste it does not bowl me over with the "Kolsch" flavor I expect.

Mouthfeel: Smooth and somewhat foamy mouthfeel.

Drinkability: Since it is difficult to want to have another one of these since you are expecting and hoping for the Kolsch flavor, I realy am not that impressed.

This Reissdorf is interesting because I had another one of these that was much better and much more Kolsch like. Interesting.

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2005 02:14:22 | More by OatherS

BrewnZ

Washington

3.13/5  rDev -18.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearance: Bright gold, white persistant head - served in a straight sided Reissdorf Kolch glass.

Smell: Soft malt the signature of kolch yeast.
Taste: Mellow malt followed by mineral - chalky middle and kind of a harsh finish. Some lingering, unpleasant hop bitterness with oxidized character.

M: Light bodied

Drinkability: Not nearly as drinkable as the beers I sampled in Koln. It is apparent there has been some damage done in transport - but I tend to hold import to the high standard of consuming them in the country of origin.

Serving type: on-tap

10-15-2007 19:36:37 | More by BrewnZ

Cyberkedi

Georgia

3.13/5  rDev -18.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a clear straw yellow with a decent fluffy white head - average, but not off-putting. Aroma is average strength, malty and just a tad watery. However, the aroma is this beer's weakest aspect. Flavor is strong, crisp and malty with a fruity overtone. Texture is smooth, lively and fizzy.

Serving type: on-tap

03-14-2010 02:25:10 | More by Cyberkedi

PintPiner

Minnesota

3.13/5  rDev -18.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Clean malty aromoa plus a touch of fruit.

Finger-width cream white head.

Very pale with lots of bubbles.

Moderate to high carbonation.

Very light, dry mouthfeel.

Crisp fresh malt, very slightly bready, soft bitterish finish. Clean, refreshing, well balanced ale.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2010 23:14:33 | More by PintPiner

hotstuff

Indiana

3.15/5  rDev -18.4%
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

There was nothing all that special that stood out with this beer.It was just an easy drinking beer with no outstanding characteristics to rave about.It was just another beer.It poured a small sized white head with fine-medium sized bubbles that quickly dissipated.The body was clear with slowly rising carbonation with a straw yellow hue.The nose was malty and hoppy and some fruit notes?The flavor a little bit acidic with some hops notes.It had a thin, watery texture to it and it was also smooth and light bodied.There was virtually no lacing.

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2003 20:52:18 | More by hotstuff

Dogbrick

Ohio

3.18/5  rDev -17.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

5L keg at our Septoberfest party. Pours a clear pale yellow color with noticeable bubbles and a medium white head that dissipates steadily. Small patches of lacing. The aroma is grassy hops with mild malt. Light, clean body with hops, straw and sweet malt flavors. The finish is moderately hoppy with a sweet malty aftertaste. Decent all around, although I am not sure it justifies the higher price tag given other domestic Kölsch choices are just as good.

Serving type: can

12-13-2007 17:01:15 | More by Dogbrick

joepais

Maine

3.18/5  rDev -17.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Walked into my local beer store and it buy a beer get a glass
So a 500 ml bottle poured into a proper glass poured a pale golden yellow with a thin white head

Strong yeasty banana aroma fills your nose

Mouthfeel is full and creamy just the right amount of carbonation hit your tongue.

Is this what a Miller lite suppose to taste like? that’s what it reminds me of

Well It’s the first Kölsch that I tried I think it would be a good beer to turn someone on to the thrills of imported beer that drank Miller

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2008 01:34:50 | More by joepais

jp62099

South Carolina

3.2/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

My first Kolsh, and I'm left a bit curious??? Should PBR be given the distinction of Kolsh? Don't get me wrong I think PBR is a drinkable beer, as is Reissdorf.
The appearance is golden, with a nice head, very fizzy. Smell is malty, grainy, clean, not much hop presence. Taste is crisp, refreshing, malty sweetness, just enough hop for balance.
I could see this on a summer day in Koln with the steeples of the ancient cathedral in the background quaffing away without a care in the world, but I'm not in Koln, and it's 3$ a bottle, and well, PBR is not. If you like the fact that you are drinking a German beer then by all means enjoy, but I think for what it is there are a lot of beers that are similar and as drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2007 01:01:58 | More by jp62099

oelergud

Virginia

3.2/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Brown 11.2oz glass bottle, pry-off cap and a red and gold label.
Clear transparent straw golden body. White small to medium bubbled head with good retention and lace.
Sweet white bread and grain scent, mild and light.
Lightly hopped bread flavor. Good. hoppy and harsh aftertaste.
Medium body and a dry finish.
Good drinkability. A mild and easy to enjoy brew.

-Oelergud

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2008 23:06:51 | More by oelergud

DCon

Missouri

3.2/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Enjoyed on-tap @ the iTap House in Chesterfield, MO for $5. Tapped from the an Unknown Looking Handle (I was not @ the bar anymore at this time) into a 200ml Reissdorf Kolsch Stange Glass.

Aroma- Very weak aroma... Light malts (maybe?) and a bit of grains. Might have a hint of some sweetness but man, had to stick my nose in the glass making myself look like a dumbass in front of my friends.

Appearance- Received without a head here... Not sure what was up with this! Was the lightest golden color body you could get with clarity beyond normal (almost could compare to water). Couple of suds were left behind but definitely no lacing.

Flavor- Easy wheat taste from the beginning with light malts. Almost has an apple taste that is light again. Very clean tasting and doesn't have any type of bitterness whatsoever.

Mouthfeel- Light Bodied, Weird amount of Carbonation here (was light I felt in the beginning but then seemed highly carbonated...), Smooth, and very poundable. Nothing comes to mind here but a nice, classic pilsner but lighter bodied.

Overall Impression- If I were to take my friends to iTap that only usually drink BMC product, I would suggest this one to them because it was boring and could drink the shit out of it. Really wasn't my cup of tea but I will still call it average. Had even a hint of apple that was interesting but too light to even pick up any ingredient list from this brew.

Serving type: on-tap

08-30-2011 05:29:33 | More by DCon

kylehay2004

Florida

3.2/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

Thin head with lots of lacing on a clear golden body. Aroma is light with light malt and sweet corn. Flavor is more of the same. Not boasting a very strong flavor but consistent with the style. Light bodies and high carbonation. Drinkable and fuller than most in the genre.

Serving type: on-tap

04-11-2012 00:33:12 | More by kylehay2004