Kölsch

Brewed only in and around Cologne under the Cologne Convention, Kölsch is a top-fermented ale that is cold-conditioned like a lager. Its origins reach back to the Middle Ages, though the modern style was formalised in the twentieth century and its name legally protected. Clean, crisp, and delicately balanced, it shows subtle fruit and hop character over subdued malt and a well-attenuated, refreshing finish, at 4.4 to 5.2 percent alcohol with 18 to 30 IBU and a pale 3.5 to 5 SRM colour. It is traditionally served in the slender 0.2-litre Stange glass. Früh Kölsch, Reissdorf Kölsch, and Gaffel Kölsch are representative. BJCP records it as 5B.

A clean, crisp, delicately-balanced beer usually with a very subtle fruit and hop character. Subdued maltiness throughout leads to a pleasantly well-attenuated and refreshing finish.

Very subtle malt aroma with faint grainy or honey notes. Very low hop aroma, possibly floral. Delicate fruity esters in restrained amounts. Clean and light — almost lager-like in cleanliness.

Very pale gold, 3.5-5 SRM. Brilliant and clear. White head with moderate to good retention.

Very subtle malt flavor with faint grainy sweetness. Low hop bitterness. Delicate fruity esters. Very dry, clean finish. Light, crisp, and refreshing. Almost lager-like in cleanliness.

Light to medium-light body with moderate to high carbonation. Very smooth and clean. Lager-like crispness from cold conditioning.

A top-fermented ale native to Cologne (Köln), Germany, cold-conditioned like a lager. Origins date to the Middle Ages though the modern style was formalized in the 20th century. Protected by the Cologne Convention — only breweries in or near Cologne may legally call their beer 'Kölsch.' Served in the traditional 0.2L Stange glass.

What is Kölsch beer?

Kölsch (BJCP 5B) — a clean, crisp, pale German ale from Cologne. Delicate and refreshing. Style guide.

What is the ABV of Kölsch?

Kölsch has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.4-5.2%.

How bitter is Kölsch beer?

Kölsch measures 18-30 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of Kölsch beers?

Früh Kölsch, Reissdorf Kölsch, Gaffel Kölsch, Fischermanns Kölsch, Sunner Kölsch