Beer O'Clock: Pub House Ale

Summer's here and I crave a patio.

I'm still a bit shy when it comes to pubs. I'm still not keen on sitting indoors without a mask, nor do I want to be in an enclosed space among strangers who are also mask-free.

To get me into a pub, I need to be at a large patio with lots of space and a mild breeze that is blowing away from me. And in truth, summer is all about sitting on a patio, drinking a refreshing, cool beverage.

When I think of summer beverages, I tend to reach for beer that has a lighter yet flavourful body. I love saisons and session ales, but I really like a good German-style Kölsch.

One very good Kölsch comes from a Peterborough brewing company and begs to be sipped on a patio, on a hot summer day.

Pub House Ale (4.8% ABV, 21.5 IBUs)
Publican House Brewery
Peterborough ON

Appearance: a slightly unfiltered apricot-gold with a fizzy white head that settles to a fine lace and then disappears altogether. Lots of effervescence continues, leaving fine pearls on the sides of the glass.

Nose: minerals and candied apricot.

Palate: flint, mild hops, and subtle, dried fruit. The finish is clean, with very little aftertaste apart from the flint.

Overall impression: for me, this is what I think of when I think Kölsch. It's light, with a mineral and fruit flavour that quenches my thirst and cleans my palate. It's a summer beverage that I could drink all day long.

I just need to find the right patio to make it perfect.

Beer O'Clock rating: 🍺🍺🍺

I don't know if Pub House Ale is available on tap but if you know of a pub in Ottawa that serves it and has a patio, let me know. You can find this Kölsch at the LCBO, in The Beer Store, and at participating grocery stores (I found it at my local Farm Boy).

Cheers!

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