A Day in Columbia

When did you go to South America?

Was it hot there?

Where the jungles dense, and thick?

Did you randomly stumble upon any coffee plantations?

No, discerning reader, not that Columbia.  Though, given the opportunity, I would certainly travel to the country of Columbia.  I am referring to a day spent with a fellow adventurer in Columbia, Pennsylvania.

Being a fan of both hiking, and craft beer,  and prone to combine enjoyed interests, or to at least find ways to access them near each other, we ventured a well trafficked trail, with the intent of visiting Columbia Kettle Works after the hike.

The first destination, was the Turkey Hill trail a few miles south of the town of Columbia.  This trail provided the option of walking a flat, but lengthy, rail-trail along the Susquehanna River, or meandering through the sparse woods close by.  We selected the option through the woods that led to some substantial climbs and challenges, and made for a formidable, invigorating hike for seasoned hikers.  There were several incredible vistas, great stretches for deep conversation, and some beautiful views of nature.  We eventually took a semi-marked, offshoot of this trail back to the rail-trail portion, and flat-footed several miles through blustery, chilly, winds back to our origin point.  The only, mildly agitating element, was the midway proximity to rubbish heaps.  At this place, the Turkey Hill trail, proceeds inches from the fence separating mounds of refuse and delicately traveled woods adjoining the Susquehanna river.

I find my vocabulary for describing nature to be lacking at this point.  So, I will allow my captured images to augment this deficiency.

After the hike, the next destination was one of my favorite breweries, Columbia Kettle Works.  I have been to Columbia Kettle Works many times over the years.  I have always enjoyed the diverse, often changing, and incredibly tasting beers that Columbia Kettle Works has on tap.  In addition, the offerings of tasty pretzels, popcorn, and snack foods satisfy simple cravings.  The broad selection of delicious panini’s and sandwiches also fills flavor, and hunger cravings.  Why I have not, until now, reviewed this fantastic destination, surprises even myself.  Today, as a post hike relaxation and refueling point, Columbia Kettle Works seems to be the perfect brewery to highlight.

Nestled in downtown Columbia, a large, brick, building is home to Columbia Kettle Works.  Recently, more space has been allocated to this business, providing a bit of breathing room to an environment that, in the past, I had experienced as slightly claustrophobic.  The lack of prior space seems to have indicated a good problem to have in the small, craft beer sector.  Columbia Kettle Works has responded to the popularity, and increased business, with an expansion of space, and willingness to accommodate increased foot traffic.  The warm, dimly lighted interior, houses a well-polished bar to the left of the entrance.  Several stainless brew vessels reside behind bar, near a screen displaying an ever changing array of pictures, advertisements, and local interest videos.  The bar has typically been full each time I’ve been to the brewery, and until recently, the well laid out, wood grain and steel tables have also been full.  To the right of the entrance, the expanded space draws patrons from the main bar to the relaxed environs.

After taking in the aesthetics and spaciousness of the brewery, the only logical direction is to enjoy the true appeal of the business, the fantastic beer.

What I have always loved about Columbia Kettle Works, is their small batch approach to brewing.  Because of this model, the tap selection rotates, and is unique each time I go to this wonderful brewery.  I love being able to find something new, exciting, and within the last year, even barrel-aged.

I would like to highlight several from today’s experience at Columbia Kettle Works.

Grinch Feet – This smells like a robust, malt forward, red ale.  The taste is malty, and slightly spicy, with accents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and holiday spice. 7/10

Dark Belgian Strong – I wish that I could adequately describe how unique this beer is.  It smells like dark, rich, malty, Belgian sugars, and dark, sweet cherries. It tastes like licorice, dark fruits, vanilla, and port wine.  Yes, port wine.  The overall impression is port wine, port wine, port wine, in all the best ways possible.  How a beer could this accurately emulate a style of wine is incredible.  This is tremendous. 9.5/10

Coconut Porter – The smell is very sugary, with strong coconut notes, and slight vanilla.  The body is creamy, sweet, extremely coconut forward, and slightly porter-bitter on the back-end.  8/10

River Rye Lager –  The nose is clean, crisp, and reminiscent of a traditional lager, with slight rye spice notes.   This is a very balanced traditional lager with pleasing rye accents.  This is an “easy drinking,” refreshing beer. 7.5/10

English Bulldog – This smells sweet, and very caramel intense, and highlighted with notes of pineapple.  The taste has a rich, slightly boozy, malty, creamy, caramel and brown sugar taste.  The barrel aging notes shine through nicely.  8.5/10

Logging Camp – This imperial ipa smells sweet, resiney, and has dank, pine notes.  There is a slight maple flavor in the body with bold hop assertiveness and a sweet, slightly malty, backbone. 8/10

For anyone who has not had the opportunity to experience either the scenic trails near Columbia, or the incredible brewery Columbia Kettle Works, make it a destination immediately.  Not only will your soul be satisfied by the union with nature, but your body with be gratified by flavors, and deliciousness, of the food and sumptuous beers at Columbia Kettle Works.

Again, this is not Columbia, South America.  But Columbia, South Central Pennsylvania.  There are wonderful things to experience here.  Likely these two aren’t the only ones, just simply the ones we had the pleasure to experience today.

Humbly yours,

J