What kind of beer is Kölsch?

Kölsch is technically an ale but conditioned in cool temperatures like lagers, resulting in a beer that straddles both styles. It originated in Cologne, where brewers favoured top-fermenting ales and wheat beers. As Lager and Pilsner became popular, the brewers had a rethink and created a hybrid beer.

The ale yeast brings fruity aromas, and being an ale, naturally there is some hop element to it, whilst the cool lagery conditioning brings lightness and crisp, clean taste on the finish.

Compared to Pilsner, Kölsch is similar in that it is easy to drink, pale gold and lightly bubbly, but it is a smoother, soft, less-dry experience.

It is a protected style that can only be brewed and labelled as such within 50km of the city of Cologne.