Kölsch

Introduction – by Firkin Ron

The term beer style refers to a broad set of descriptors used to differentiate and categorize types of beers. Descriptors such as color, flavor, strength, ingredients, production method, recipe, history, and origin create the framework for establishing a beer style. And almost any time you buy a beer, the beer lists its style on the packaging. Why? To provide the buyer with a basic preview and understanding of the beer’s look, smell, taste and drinkability. Today there are hundreds of documented beer styles. Furthermore, a handful of organizations created their own unique classifications. However, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) provides one of the most commonly used set of style guidelines. This week’s beer style overview features a German classic – Kölsch.

Kölsch – by Owen Ogletree

In the 1800s, brewers in Cologne, Germany (Köln) began branching out from the historic brown/amber ales of the region to create a golden style of ale to compete with new pale lagers. Kölsch beer took Cologne by storm, and the city’s locals are now totally devoted to the style. Sort of a pilsner-type recipe with German pale malt and traditional German hops, Kölsch is fermented warm with ale yeast, stored cold for a short time of lagering, and served fresh. The beer is brilliantly clear with subtle aromas and flavors of German hops and light fruity esters.

Cologne is home to several historic taverns in which to drink the local Kölsch brands in small, 200 ml, cylindrical glasses. Once your glass is half empty, another glass of Kölsch is placed in front of you (until you say “no more”). Kölsch is also made in many brewpubs around the USA, and ranks as one of the most drinkable, approachable ales in the world.

 

About Owen Ogletree

Owen is founder/editor of Brewtopia LLC. In addition, he is columnist for Southern Brew News and Beer Connoisseur Magazine, lecturer at Knoxville’s Brewing & Distilling Center, founder/director of the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting and Classic City Brew Fest, and a BJCP National Beer Judge. Owen has also served as a beer judge at the Great American Beer Festival and the Great British Beer Festival.