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
- 3 – 6 SRM
- CO₂
- – –
Notes
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.
Color
Straw to gold
Clarity
Chill haze should not be present
Malt aroma & flavor
Malt character is very low to low with soft sweetness. Caramel character should not be present.
Hop aroma & flavor
Low and, if present, should express noble hop character.
Bitterness
Medium to medium-high
Fermentation character
Fruity esters are absent to low, expressed as pear, apple, or wine-like attributes when present. Diacetyl should not be present.
Body
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.