Culmination & Doug Fir’s Green Room Kölsch

When I learned of Culmination Brewing and Doug Fir Lounge’s collaboration, the Green Room Black Lime Kölsch, I was immediately intrigued.

Fusing this classic German Ale from Cologne with the exotic addition of Black Lime leaf and zest, make this one of Portland’s most refreshing options available this summer.

While the beer is extremely tasty on it’s own, imbued with quaffable yet complex layers of citrus goodness, it also pairs perfectly with Culmination’s various food options available on their summer menu (but I’m really looking at you Bhuna Indian Soul food…).

I also love that Doug Fir actually approached Culmination to do the beer. The packaging for this collaboration, 16oz tall boys with 100% recyclable labels, was inspired by the drink of choice for artists preparing to hit the stage at the venerable local music venue.

Additionally, each label (seen below) features different artwork from classic concert posters at the venue:

Green Label: Quasi, Explode Into Colors, The Alabama Shakes and No Name
Blue Label: Dum Dum Girls, Blouse and M83
Pink Label: Pink, Toro y Moi and Dungen
Orange Label: Stereo, Total and Portugal. The Man

Even more interesting, and possibly a missed opportunity, is the most commonly accepted etymology of the term Green Room. In medieval days, the stage in a theater in the round setting, was commonly referred to as The Green, as the performance area was often on grass. Hence, the pre-stage room for The Green became The Green Room.

While I’m sure CBD could have been a clever addition, though likely a poor choice for a Kölsch, I could see lemongrass being an fine addition alongside the middle-eastern Black Lime, and the aforementioned Bhuna cuisine.

Regardless, I’d probably mess up a good thing because I’m not a brewer and quite honestly, this beer is something tasty to behold, especially on these hot summer nights. Make sure to seek it out before it’s gone!

Now available on tap and in 16oz four-packs at Culmination Brewing. Also in cans at Doug Fir Lounge.