11 Beers to Drink and Enjoy for the Brewski Newbie
A client holds a glass of Cologne ‘Koelsch’ beer on November 7, 2013 in Cologne, western Germany. AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)
10.) Kölsches
A kölsch is a clear, well filtered beer that originated in Cologne, Germany. The IBUs are often between 20-30 units. This means that a kölsch will be a touch more bitter than a wheat beer, but not by much. You’re still in easy drinking territory with one of these brews.
A kölsch is warm-fermented like an ale but then conditioned at cold temperatures like a lager. This and the yeast used help to give it a slightly fruity flavor. It is one of only a handful of traditional German ales, like the weissbier. However, unlike wheat beers, kölsches are brewed with all barley, the traditional grain used in many other beer styles.
Speaking of tradition: native German beers are subject to a series of purity laws, called the Reinheitsgebot. However, beers brewed elsewhere often use the name and are made in the same style, despite not being subject to the Reinheitsgebot.
If you go to an Oktoberfest near you, chances are good that you’ll be sipping a kölsch at some point. However, kölsches are good for all times of year and are especially satisfying on a hot summer day.
Kölsches to try:
- Alaskan Brewing Company, Summer Ale
- Elevation Brewing Company, 8 Second Kölsch
- Occidental Brewing Company, Kölsch