Metropolitan Krankshaft 6Pk

Metropolitan Krankshaft 6Pk is a German-style Kölsch from Chicago's Metropolitan Brewing, packaged as a six-pack at 5.0% ABV. This hybrid ale-lager earned an 85 on BeerAdvocate across nearly 400 ratings, and carries added significance as Metropolitan Brewing permanently closed at the end of 2023, making remaining stock increasingly scarce.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  IBU: 28  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Kölsch  |  Brewery: Metropolitan Brewing (closed 2023)

Production & Heritage

Metropolitan Brewing established itself as one of Chicago's dedicated German-style lager breweries, focusing exclusively on traditional Central European styles rather than chasing trends. Krankshaft follows the authentic Kölsch method — fermented warm with ale yeast, then cold-conditioned (lagered) to produce a clean, crisp character that bridges the gap between ale and lager. The grain bill includes wheat malt to soften and round out a firm Tettnang hop backbone, with Santiam hops contributing measured bitterness at 28 IBUs. The result is a pale, straw-colored beer built for drinkability without sacrificing depth.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Subtle and inviting, with light green grape and delicate floral notes rising first. A lemony, slightly herbal quality follows, grounded by a faint grainy sweetness underneath.

Taste: The entry is soft and slightly sweet, with biscuity malt and a whisper of wheat breadiness. Mid-palate brings hints of apple skin and a gentle minerality, while the Tettnang hops assert themselves with restrained floral bitterness toward the finish. The overall impression is balanced and clean — malt and hops in quiet equilibrium.

Finish: Dry and refreshingly short, with lingering lemon zest and a faint crackery grain note. The cold-conditioning shines here, delivering a lager-like snap that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Krankshaft

Serve cold in a tall, narrow Stange glass to concentrate the delicate aromatics, as is traditional for Kölsch. Krankshaft also works well as a base for a Radler, mixed with fresh lemonade for a low-ABV summer drink. It pairs naturally with a Shandy variation using grapefruit juice, which amplifies the existing citrus notes. For something unexpected, try it in a Beer Mimosa alongside sparkling wine and a splash of orange juice — the wheat malt and gentle fruit character integrate smoothly.

Best For

• Warm-weather sessions where clean drinkability matters more than intensity
• Introducing craft-curious drinkers to German-style lagers beyond pilsner
• Collecting a piece of Chicago brewing history from a now-closed brewery
• Pairing with lighter fare at backyard cookouts and casual gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Krankshaft taste like? Krankshaft delivers a light, biscuity malt sweetness with hints of apple skin, lemon, and subtle floral hop character. It finishes dry and clean thanks to its hybrid ale-lager fermentation process.

How does Krankshaft compare to a traditional German Kölsch? Krankshaft follows the authentic Kölsch approach — ale yeast fermentation followed by cold lagering — and stays true to the style's pale color, low bitterness, and emphasis on balance, though its use of Santiam hops alongside Tettnang gives it a slight American accent.

Is Krankshaft good for beginners? Krankshaft is an excellent entry point into craft beer, with its approachable 5.0% ABV, low bitterness at 28 IBUs, and clean, easy-drinking profile that doesn't overwhelm.

Where is Krankshaft made? Krankshaft was brewed by Metropolitan Brewing in Chicago, Illinois, a brewery that focused exclusively on German-style lagers. Metropolitan Brewing closed permanently at the end of 2023.

What foods pair well with Krankshaft? Grilled bratwurst complements the grainy malt character. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette echo the lemony notes. Mild white fish like tilapia works well with the clean finish. Soft pretzels with mustard are a classic Kölsch pairing, and lighter cheeses such as young Gouda match the beer's gentle sweetness.

What sizes does Krankshaft come in? Krankshaft is available in a six-pack format of 12 oz containers, consistent with Metropolitan Brewing's standard packaging.

Is Krankshaft worth the price? Krankshaft positions as a craft six-pack in the accessible tier, and its quality-to-value ratio was always a strong point — now, with Metropolitan Brewing closed, remaining inventory carries additional collectibility for fans of Chicago's brewing scene.

Why Krankshaft?

Krankshaft stood apart because Metropolitan Brewing refused to deviate from traditional German styles in a craft market obsessed with haze and hops. The hybrid Kölsch fermentation — warm ale yeast followed by cold lagering — requires patience and precision that most American breweries skip entirely. With an 85 on BeerAdvocate and over 23,000 ratings on Untappd, Krankshaft built a loyal following on quiet quality rather than flashy branding. As one of the final products from a brewery that closed its doors in 2023, each remaining six-pack represents a genuine piece of Chicago craft beer history that cannot be replicated.