San Diego based Original 40 Brewing Company is poised to honor its North Park neighborhood with the release of two new beers: University Ave Kölsch and University Ave Raspberry Kölsch. These two beers are based on the Kolsch style, which is one that gets less talk in craft beer circles, but that is certainly deserving of attention and a good choice for a pair of beers that commemorate this area of greater San Diego.
Welcome to North Park
If you’re familiar with San Diego, then you likely already know about North Park. University Avenue is the main east to west route that cuts through North Park, a region known for its breweries, restaurants, bars, and retail establishments. Original 40 Brewing, in fact, named itself after the original 40 acre tract of land that eventually evolved into the North Park we know and love today.
Bring on the Brew
Head brewer Zack Kaplan says these new beers are a little different from what his brewery usually creates.
“These Kölsch beers were fun to create and I can’t wait to see the reactions from our regulars and those who walk through our doors for the first time,” Kaplan said. “We stepped out of the box a little by using different techniques that we hadn’t yet tried since I joined the brewery last May, and I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. I believe the raspberry edition especially will turn heads from both visual and tasting standpoints.”
With or Without Fruit
What can craft beer lovers expect with these two beers? Let’s start with University Ave Kölsch. It’s a beer brewed in the classic German tradition, using German Bohemian Pilsner Malt. The Original 40 brewing team utilized a Spunding valve during the fermentation phase to recapture as much of the CO2 produced as possible, helping to produce a thick and creamy head.
For the raspberry version, Original 40 reached for fresh Pacific Northwest red raspberries. The idea was to achieve a natural, fresh, fruity flavor and aroma. There are no extracts used and no artificial flavorings. It’s the real fruit deal with this beer. Original 40 founder Steve Billings says these beers are not only delicious, they are also an excellent choice to honor the North Park area.
“There’s nothing like the goodness of a clean German Kölsch,” said Billings. “Zack nailed it quite frankly. These are the perfect beers, especially Raspberry Kölsch with the vibrant color, to celebrate our vibrant North Park community that we’ve called home for nearly three years now.”
Time to Celebrate
Each of these Kölsch-style ales weighs in at 4.8% alcohol by volume and will be available on draft and in four packs of 16-oz cans. And, of course, you get can these beers straight from the tap at Original 40 Brewing. The draft option is served using a side pull faucet, which helps enhance the head of foam, making it thicker, creamier, and more like the draft beers served in Europe.
University Ave Kölsch and University Ave Raspberry Kölsch pay homage to the neighborhood in which they were birthed and they are a great way to enjoy the delicious flavor of this too often neglected craft beer style. Pay a visit to Original 40 Brewing and enjoy these new, limited-edition beers while supplies last.
Cheers to Original 40 Brewing for celebrating its North Park home! Love the sense of community and support for local businesses. Hopefully, I will be able to try it out next time I am traveling.
I’m not too familiar with San Diego, but this brewery sounds interesting. It sounds like they are stepping out of their normal style with these two new beers. Thank you for the suggestions!
I don’t drink beer, but can’t wait to show your post to hubby. I know he’s going to want to try some of the beer you’ve shared.
This is my first time knowing about North Park but yay! Time to celebrate. We need to support more local businesses like this.
I’ve never heard of the Kolsch style of brewing, but the fruity one sounds good to me! It’s awesome they are celebrating their community this way.
I just read your article about Original 40 Brewing and it was fantastic! I loved learning about their unique brews and the history of their North Park location. Can’t wait to try it out!
My first to hear of it. I do love various fruit flavors though!
Wow! First of all, Congratulations on this milestone! Truly a remarkable one! Your drinks look absolutely delicious and very tasty! I love the packaging too, gives such an awesome vibe!
I’m not a huge fan of beer, but that raspberry kolsch sounds delightful!
Ooh! This sounds like such a great brewery. And it also seems like they have a lot to celebrate. I hope to get there one day!
I love the design of the can. It is very inviting.