BJCP 5B · Pale Bitter European Beer
Kölsch
A cold-fermented golden ale from Cologne, as clean as a lager, with soft malt, a faint fruity touch and a dry, delicate finish.
Kölsch by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 4.4 – 5.2%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 18 – 30 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 4 – 5 SRM7–10 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.044 – 1.050on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.007 – 1.011on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Kölsch is like
A pale, clean, delicate beer with a fine balance between soft malt, noble hops and a faint fruitiness from the yeast. Dry and refreshing, it's traditionally served in narrow 20 cl (7 oz) glasses called Stange.
Appearance
Very pale straw to light gold, very bright. Fine white head of medium duration.
Aroma
Soft grainy malt, a light apple, pear or white grape fruitiness and low floral or spicy noble hops. Very subtle.
Flavor
Soft, slightly sweet malt up front, medium to medium-high bitterness and a dry finish with a mineral touch. The fruitiness is faint and shouldn't dominate.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light to medium body, smooth and rounded, with medium to medium-high carbonation.
Where Kölsch comes from
It's the traditional beer of Cologne (Köln), where brewers stuck with top fermentation despite the rise of lagers. Since 1986, the Kölsch-Konvention has restricted the name to breweries in the Cologne area.
Ingredients
German pilsner malt, sometimes with a little wheat. German noble hops, soft to medium water and a specific Kölsch ale yeast that stays clean at low temperatures.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Kölsch at home
Ferment with a Kölsch yeast at 13-16 °C (55-61 °F), as cold as it will tolerate, then cold-condition it for three or four weeks, like a lager; these strains are slow to clear. Mash at 64-65 °C (147-149 °F) for a dry finish. Carbonate to 2.5-2.7 volumes; the typical mistake is fermenting warm and ending up too fruity.
Food pairing
Goes well with sausages, smoked fish or fresh cheeses.
Glassware: stange, narrow and straight, the Cologne and Düsseldorf way.
Classic examples
- Früh Kölsch
- Reissdorf Kölsch
- Gaffel Kölsch
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Kölsch?
Between 4.4% and 5.2% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is Kölsch?
It has 18 to 30 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Kölsch?
Yellow to gold: 4 to 5 SRM (7 to 10 EBC).
What food pairs well with Kölsch?
Goes well with sausages, smoked fish or fresh cheeses.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Cream Ale, Munich Helles and German Pils.
If you like Kölsch, try these
Classification and statistics: official Kölsch guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.