- Germany
- Ale
- ABV = 4.4 – 5.2% (Normal)^
- IBU = 18-30
- SRM = 3.5-5
A light gold German ale with very subtle and delicately-balanced malt, yeast, and hop flavours.
Appearance:
- Colour^ = Straw to light gold
- Clarity = Brilliant
Key Aromas & Flavours:
Aroma
- Malt = Low; grainy-sweet
- Yeast = None to low; apple, cherry or pear, if present
- Hops = None to low; floral, spicy or herbal, if present
Flavour
- Malt = Low; grainy-sweet, possibly with a very light bready or honey quality
- Yeast = Very low; fruity
- Hops = Low to moderate; floral, spicy or herbal
- Perceived Bitterness^ = Moderate
- Balance = Even
Aftertaste/Finish
Dry, slightly crisp finish
Mouthfeel:
- Body = Medium-light; smooth
- Carbonation = Medium
Characteristic Ingredients/Processes:
- Malt = Pilsner malt
- Yeast = German ale yeast
- Hops = German hop varietals
- Process = Fermented warm, cold-conditioned (ie. lagered) for a short period of time and served young
Historical Development:
Cologne, Germany (Köln) has an ale-brewing tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, but developed the beer now known as Kölsch in the late 1800s to combat the popularity of pale Pilsner-style lagers.
Kölsch is an appellation protected by the Kölsch Konvention (1986) and is restricted to the 20 or so breweries in and around Cologne. Traditionally served in a tall, narrow 200ml glass called a Stange.
Commercial Examples:
Früh Kölsch, Gaffel Kölsch, Sünner Kölsch
^Sourced from the Cicerone Certification Program’s International Certified Beer Server Syllabus.
All other information is sourced from the BJCP 2015 Style Guidelines.
