German Ales: Kölsch

Notes: Traditional examples often display persistent head retention. Small amounts of wheat can be used in brewing beers of this style. Koelsch-style beers are fermented at warmer temperatures than is typical for lagers, but at lower temperatures than most English and Belgian-style ales. They are aged cold. Ale yeast is used for fermentation. Lager yeast is sometimes used for bottle conditioning or final cold conditioning.

  • ABV: 4.8%-5.3%
  • ABW: 3.8%-4.2%
  • IBU: 22-30
  • Color (SRM): 3-6
  • Color (EBC): 6-12
  • Original Gravity: 1.042-1.048
  • Original Gravity °P: 10.5-11.9
  • Final Gravity: 1.006-1.010
  • Final Gravity °P: 1.5-2.6

Style info provided entirely or in part by the Brewers Association 2021 beer style guidelines.

6 Kölsch Reviewed

Beer Brewery Rate Avg.
32/50 Kolsch COAST Brewing Company 8.47
Cucumber Kölsch Flat 12 Bierwerks 7.72
Summer Beer Harpoon Brewery 6.00
Sunbru Four Peaks Brewing Company 6.88
Throop Hop Butcher For The World 7.46
Tire Bite Golden Ale Flying Dog Brewery 4.00