Detailed information about the Koelsch type of beer
Koelsch is a local beer specialty brewed in Cologne and the area around it.It is a clear beer with a bright yellow hue and tastes less bitter than the standard German pils.
Only 24 breweries are allowed to brew Koelsch and it is only allowed to be brewed in and around the city of Cologne, located in Northrhine-Westphalia, which was stated at the Koelsch convention of 1986.
Koelsch will be usually be served at cellar temperature (about 10 degree Celsius or 50 degree
Fahrenheit) in small 0,2l (about 0.05 gallons) glasses that are made fun of in some other
beer-drinking areas such as Bavaria.
The small glasses paradoxically usually lead to more drinking, because you think that one more
of these will not do any harm.
In the typical Koelschkneipen, you will get your glass refilled by the waiters automatically
(having to pay for every refill) until you place the beermat upon the glass.
Meals that are often ordered with a Koelsch beer are a "Halve Hahn" (a rye roll with butter
and Dutch cheese) and Blutwurst/Floenz (blood sausage).
The hangover risk is surprisingly low.