101. 4 Pines Kolsch

4 Pines Kolsch


Company info:
4 Pines Brewing Company
Manly, N.S.W

[www.4pinesbeer.com.au]

Bottle size sampled: 330 mL

Alcohol: 4.6%
Standard drinks: 1.2

Cap type: Non-twist

Cost: I picked this up for $3.99AU

Label info: ‘During World War II, four pine trees were removed from the Southern end of the promenade to install machine-gun emplacements. A plaque was placed on the stump of one of the pines which read, “This and three other trees were removed for defence purposes in December 1941 when these shores were threatened with invasion. Their absence is a reminder of the many greater sacrifices made to preserve this fair land for the people of Australia”‘

What the label really means: I love this great legend, of trees being removed and then honoured not only with a plaque but with a whole brewing company named after them. I love being reminded of the truly great sacrifices made by many people (and trees) during wars in which this country has been involved. This is a great tribute to some unknown heroes and makes a good story to ensure this beer becomes an ANZAC Day favourite.

My only problem with this story is that ‘the Southern end of the promenade’ is mentioned as though it’s a well-known landmark across the world. If it weren’t for me reading that the brew is made in Manly, NSW, I would not have guessed that’s where they were talking about. My first thought was Norfolk Island. Maybe I’m being a little pedantic, but it has a certain North Shore arrogance in its assumption. Thankfully the nod of the head to these great fallen pines has not been lost in its significance to me.

The Hell-Cat review starts here

Label: I like the simplicity of this label. The logo has been very carefully designed to show the staunch four pines as they once stood side by side and ‘4 Pines Brewing Company’ displays prominently across the middle. Underneath is ‘Kolsch’ written in huge letters, set against a beige coloured background that looks a little paper-baggish in design. It looks classy, it looks elegant, and it’s something I’d be proud to hold and drink.

I give it a label rating of 7 out of 10.

AROMA: There’s a subtle hoppy hint of bitterness. I gotta admit, I’m worried. I’m having ‘Nam-like flashbacks of Broo Premium Lager. Please don’t make it so.

Taste: GLASS – Hmm…it’s ok. It’s not bad, it’s not great. It’s certainly nothing to write home about. There is no overriding bitterness as I expected from the aroma but it’s definitely as dry as expected. There are some very subtle hints of citrus but no real discernible taste that makes this brew stand out from the shelf. Drink if it’s on special.

Note: This week I learnt what a kolsch is! Kolsch is a speciality beer brewed in Cologne, Germany, and has a bright straw-yellow hue, with a prominent, but not extreme, hoppiness. It is less bitter than the standard German pale lager. So, I feel that 4 Pines Kolsch is perhaps a kolsch-style beer as it seems to tick all boxes but can it be called a kolsch if not brewed in Cologne? Not sure.

I give it a beer from glass rating of 6 out of 10.

Taste: BOTTLE – A teensy bit better when drinking this from the bottle as the taste seems to intensify a little and give it a little more depth. Drinking from the glass seemed to diffuse the taste a little. Sure, it’s still nothing that will rock your world  but it’s one destined for the bottle – and with a label that nice, that’s a good thing.

I give it a taste from bottle rating of 6 out of 10.

Song of choice: Try this along side Crowded House’s ‘Tall Trees’

Accompanying food: Something intense in flavour like a chilli prawn or octopus dish. Even a bowl of olives might work alongside this beer – the salt could really bring out some good flavours. I’ll give it a go sometime.

Best season to appreciate: A bit of a Summer brew I feel. It’s not a thirst quencher but this would suit a warm, sunny afternoon, gazing out to sea.

All-nighter beer? Not for me. It’s just a little on the under-adventurous side of the fence. It may get better after 2 or 3, but then, doesn’t everything?

NEXT WEEK: Abbey Ale