Asheville Part 1: Kölsch and Fried Green Tomatoes; Honey Biscuits

I'm in Asheville on my honeymoon and I'm trying to get the most out of this town's beers. I'm planning a trip to the Highland Brewing Company for a tour later today!

Yesterday we had a very nice lunch at the Tupelo Honey Cafe. It was hot outside so I opted for the French Broad Brewing Company's Gateway Kölsch. Kölsch is a German-style ale originally brewed in Cologne. The style is unique because it uses elements of both ale and lager brewing: it is first top-fermented with ale yeast at higher tempereatures and then lagered at cold temperatures.

This Kölsch was light and refreshing but quite flavorful, with an initial mild crisp bite of carbonation and finishing with round, nutty malt flavors that fill the mouth. I was starving when we got a table after waiting, and this beer slaked my thirst and curbed my appetite momentarily.




Next out came biscuits, which we topped with butter and honey. The honey was great for biscuits, with a light and floral flavor. The nutty Kölsch contrasted with the sweet honey and complemented the buttery flavors of the biscuit.




Finally our lunches came: fried chicken sandwich with dijonnaise with a side of fried green tomatoes and basil and a burger with goat cheese and a side of beet salad. The Kölsch served as a refreshing and flavorful companion to both of these meals. I thought that the best pairing at lunch was the Kölsch and the fried green tomatoes, which were surprisingly tangy, bringing out some of the subtle hops and the nuttiness of the beer.