Kölsch
A pale, delicate, crisp ale from Cologne, fermented warm then lagered cold for a clean, wine-like finish.
About the Kölsch style
Kölsch is the local specialty of Cologne, a protected style that may only be brewed there. It is a hybrid, fermented warm with ale yeast but then lagered cold, so it drinks like something between an ale and a pale lager.
It is served in the city in tall, narrow 200 millilitre stange glasses, brought round continuously by waiters until the drinker signals a stop. Delicate and subtly fruity, it rewards freshness.
Kölsch is a style of beer originating in Cologne (Köln), Germany. In appearance, it is bright and clear with a pale gold hue. Kölsch is a top-fermenting beer.
Grain, hops and yeast
Malt and grain: German pilsner malt for a soft, pale, delicately grainy base.
Hop character: Moderate noble hopping for a gentle, balanced bitterness.
Yeast and fermentation: A Kölsch ale yeast fermented cool then cold-conditioned, giving a subtle fruity note over a lager-like cleanliness.
A typical Kölsch runs 4.4 to 5.2% alcohol by volume, with a bitterness of about 18 to 30 IBU and a colour of 3.5 to 5 SRM. It is traditionally served in a stange (narrow cylinder). These figures describe the usual range for the style; a given example may sit a little outside them.
Serving and carbonation
Serve a Kölsch cold, around 4 to 6 degrees Celsius, in the traditional tall, narrow stange glass, and serve it fresh, since it is a delicate beer that fades with age. A moderate carbonation suits its light, crisp body.
Fermentation in brief
A Kölsch ale yeast fermented cool, in the mid teens Celsius, then cold-conditioned for a couple of weeks, gives the subtle fruitiness over a clean, lager-like base. The cold conditioning is what makes the beer so clean and crisp, so do not skip it.
Classic examples
Well-known commercial examples of the style include Reissdorf Kölsch, Gaffel Kölsch and Früh Kölsch. Tasting a benchmark example is the best way to understand what a style should be before brewing your own.
| Vital statistic | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany (Cologne) |
| Strength (ABV) | 4.4 to 5.2% |
| Bitterness (IBU) | 18 to 30 |
| Colour (SRM) | 3.5 to 5 |
| Traditional glass | Stange (narrow cylinder) |
Typical published ranges. Individual examples vary.
Set up your Kölsch on tap
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Sources: BJCP Beer Style Guidelines · Wikipedia