Kolsch Takes Top Home Brew Honors

A Kolsch brewed by Rick Felser of Orchard Park took top honors in the 2021 Home Brew Competition. A panel of judges and master judges evaluated the submissions according to nationally recognized Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) protocols.

Kolsch is a German pale ale that is easily mistaken for a cream ale (to the untrained taster), it is brewed with noble hops and light pilsner malt. Winning brewer Rick Felser has been brewing beer for 5 years. He also placed in the top 10 with this beer at the Kolsch Beer Competition in Austin Texas. He recommends pairing this beer with a sausage sandwich at the Fair. Felser also brought home a total of 4 medals with entries in other categories in the Erie County Fair Home Brew competition this year.

Once crowned “Best In Show,” the winner submitted the beer’s recipe to the professional brew staff at Hamburg Brewing Company for commercial production and will be available at the beer gardens during the Erie County Fair.

Click here for a full list of the 2021 results.