Kolsch

What is Kolsch beer?

Kolsch is the signature beer style from the German city Cologne (Koln). The style originated in the late 19th century as a reaction to the growing popularity of pale-colored lagers. In 1997, Kolsch was granted protected geographic indication status within the EU. American craft brewers fell in love with the style and many of them craft Kolsch-style beers that rival the best that Cologne has to offer. American breweries sometimes produce Kolsch as a summer seasonal release given it’s a refreshing style that’s well suited for warmer weather.

How is Kolsch brewed?

A key characteristic of Kolsch is its hybridized fermentation process. Primary fermentation takes place at warm temperatures using ale yeast. It is then cold conditioned like a lager. Drinkers get to enjoy a beer that offers the fruity aromatics of an ale, but with the crisp finish of a lager, making Kolsch an ale for lovers of lager. Crafted with lighter malts such as pilsner and pale, the hops employed are often traditional German varieties like Hallertau Mittelfruh, Tettnang, and Spalt.

What does Kolsch look and taste like?

Kolsch is golden in color and showcases brilliant clarity. Ale yeast sometimes imparts some fruity aromatics, often subtle notes of apple or pear. Hop aroma is typically subtle, with perhaps a touch of floral character from traditional German varieties. Medium in body, Kolsch delivers a delicate balance of bready malt sweetness and herbaceous hop bitterness. It’s well fermented and offers a clean and refreshing finish. Clocking in at around 5% ABV, Kolsch is an easy drinking and sessionable style.

What beer styles is Kolsch similar to?

German helles lagers are built with very similar ingredients, although due to the lager yeast, helles are often a touch crisper and less aromatic. Un-flavored American cream ales offer similar color, flavor, and aromatics, although their hop profiles are often fruiter (citrus, orchard, tropical), whereas the hops employed in traditional Kolsch lean towards herbaceous and grassy.

What kind of foods does Kolsch pair well with?

Just about anything. Being a slightly fruity and refreshing style it’s particularly well suited for lighter and more delicate dishes such as salads and seafood. Yet, given it’s well fermented and crisp, it also serves as a nice palate refresher after heartier fare like burgers and BBQ.

What are the best and most popular Kolsch ales?

We carry several delicious examples of best-selling Kolsch from Cologne, as well as many exceptional American craft varieties.