You cannot leave the Carnival in Cologne without drinking a small glass after the small glass of Kölsch . This light beer is a specialty of the region with its own unique traditions. The people of Cologne rarely drink another beer. In a nation of great beers with storied histories, discover what makes Kölsch, Cologne’s beer, special.
Kölsch beer
When we say that it is a regional beer, we mean that only beer brewed in and around Cologne can only be called Kölsch, like champagne. Known as a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), the Konlsch Konvention dictates that it must be produced within a 50 km zone around Cologne. Foreign brewers have fallen in love with this clean drinking beer, but since they are forbidden by law to call it Kölsch, they will see it listed as ‘Kölsch style’.
The beer is like a Pilsner, fermented, pale yellow and refreshing. It meets Reinheitsgebot standards and is traditionally a warm fermenting beer, not a lager as it is sometimes described incorrectly. It has a gravity between 11 and 16 degrees.
Pedir un Kölsch
Along with the insightful definition, the serving of this Cologne beer has its own customs.
Kölsch is served in 0.2-liter cylindrical glasses, relatively delicate compared to other German glassware (i.e. the Oktoberfest Mass ). These are known as Stange and they retard the growth of Kölsch.
These glasses will serve as your ordering system in a Cologne bar or beer garden . The waiters, called Köbes , are dressed in blue shirts, dark pants and an apron and are armed with circular trays ( Kölschkranz ) of beer to provide quick refills. His watchful eyes are trained to detect newcomers to dress up with a glass. There is no need to warn the waiter, certainly don’t wait and God help you if you want to order something other than a Cologne Kölsch. Köbes is an institution in Cologne and is known for its thick Kölsch dialect and tough humor.
Once they have gone down a roller coaster and covered it with a full beer, they will mark the mat with a mark for each new beer. The Köbes and the Kölsch will keep coming until you place the mountain on your glass. At that point, be prepared to pay (and tip 5-10%).
Kölsch Breweries
Only thirteen breweries are licensed to produce authentic Kölsch. Popular Brauhäusers (brewpubs) and brands include:
- Früh – Located near the Cathedral, this historic brewery is over 100 years old with a bustling beer cellar.
- Gaffel – This brewery and pub offers a great example of the classic Kölsch right next to the train station.
- Reissdorf: A local favorite, this place has a bowling alley in the basement.
- Sun: popular with visitors and locals.
- Sion – Destroyed in WWII, this brewery has once again served traditional Kölsch beer and a full meal with biergarten.
- Brauhaus zur Malzmühle: Open for more than 150 years, this is one of the most popular brewery restaurants with specialties in Cologne.
- Peters Brauhaus – In the center of the old city, this is the ideal place for Carnival.
What to eat with Kölsch
Despite the diminutive size of their beers, they can pack a punch. Instead of keeping an eye on your roller coaster for ticks, balance your visit with some Cologne treats. But keep in mind that they often have a different name than other parts of Germany.
- Halver Hahn : While this may sound like the classic chicken beer, it’s actually a rye roll with cheese, butter, and mustard.
- Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and earth) – Blood sausage (Flönz), fried onion and mashed potatoes with apple sauce Mix of apple pieces (heaven) and mashed potatoes (earth)
- Kölsche Kaviar – Flönz, rye and onion
- Rheinischer Soorbrode – Traditionally made with horse meat (although beef is generally substituted nowadays), this dish is marinated in vinegar and spices for several days before being served with meatballs and Rotkohl (red cabbage)
- Hämmche – boiled pork knuckle
- Rievkoche or Reibekuchen – Usually called Kartoffelpuffer in other parts of Germany, these are tasty potato pancakes often topped with apple sauce
- Halber Meter’s Bratwurst – You can’t go wrong with a sausage, especially one that’s half a meter tall.
