German-Style Koelsch
German Origin Ale · Brewers Association 2025
- OG
- 1.042 – 1.048
- FG
- 1.006 – 1.010
- ABV
- 4.8 – 5.3 %
- IBU
- 22 – 30
- Color
German Origin Ale · Brewers Association 2025
The Koelsch style is originally from the Köln area. 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.
Straw to gold
Chill haze should not be present
Malt character is very low to low with soft sweetness. Caramel character should not be present.
Low and, if present, should express noble hop character.
Medium to medium-high
Fruity esters are absent to low, expressed as pear, apple, or wine-like attributes when present. Diacetyl should not be present.
Low to medium-low. Dry and crisp.
Brew to this style
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Style guideline data is the work of its respective publishers, reproduced here for reference: BJCP · Brewers Association · Norbrygg · SHBF · Danske Øldommere.