Serve in a Stange
Kölsch is pale straw to pale gold in color and ranges in alcohol from 4.5-5.5%. These beers are light-to-medium bodied and have a clean, crisp finish as a result of cooler fermentation temperatures. Subtle fruitiness and a dry, herbal hop-accented finish define these easy drinking ales. Originating in Cologne, Germany, the word kölsch is legally limited to the beers brewed in the city of Cologne. This naming convention is closely followed in European markets, but outside of Europe kölsch style beers may be labeled as simply kölsch. Most examples one will encounter in the US are brewpub draft interpretations produced during the summer months, though some commercial brewers produce a summer ale in the kölsch style. Noteworthy examples of this style include: Goose Island Summertime, Metropolitan Krankshaft Kölsch and Sünner Kölsch.