Abita Brewing Company, Louisiana’s home-grown micro brewery, has launched a fabulous program called Abita Select, designed to get us drinking beers of different styles coordinated with appropriate glassware (just like wine), the season and food. Select also refers to the limited number of places that will pour this beer ‚Äìfifty nationwide.

Abita Select’s beer of the moment is Kolsch, unique to Cologne, Germany. Kolsch is made with Pilsner and Wheat malt, fermented with ale yeast from Cologne and cold aged for eight weeks. The result is a light body, straw colored ale that is clean, crisp, and refreshing, with delicately lingering flavors of malt and hops. It’s a perfect summer beer coif.

Cologne has a rich brewing history originating in a ninth century monastery to the 22 breweries that operate today. The style of beer has varied greatly over time evolving out of political, religious, economic, and technological influences. Cologne’s brewers banned together and formed brewer’s guilds; the first to officially organize was the Fraternity of Saint Peter of Milano in 1396 AD. These guilds existed and maintained through the reign of Charlemagne and two World Wars.

The beer we drink today was most greatly influenced by the advent of the indirect heated kiln in the early 1800s. That process produced a lighter tasting, pale-colored grain resulting in a sparkling blonde ale. Eventually the brewer’s guild successfully obtained the exclusive right to call their beer Kolsch. This appellation is similar to the protection granted to Scotch, Champagne, and Chianti.

A versatile beer, Kolsch goes well with many types of foods from fresh green salads to seafood. It’s mild enough not to overpower but cuts through heavier, fatty dishes with ease and is excellent with seafood and fish.

For more information and upcoming styles on the Select banner, go to www.abita.com

Filed Under: Wine & Libations