Kölsch way of life.. Cologne diaries!!

What Feni is to Goa and Toddy is to Kerala.... Kölsch is to Cologne in Germany. When I first heard about it, I thought this would be some kind of a strong alcohol beverage which will need a taste to be developed to enjoy it. But it is the exact opposite.... its damn refreshing from the first sip to the last.
http://travelhues.blogspot.in
So what is Kölsch - It is a clear, all-barley pale ale with a bright, straw-yellow hue similar to a standard German pale lager.

Kölsch is warm fermented at around 13 to 21 °C (55 to 70 °F), then conditioned by lagering at cold temperatures. This style of fermentation links Kölsch with some other central northern European beers such as the Altbiers of western Germany and the Netherlands.
http://travelhues.blogspot.in

This is a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) product, which means that it can only be brewed within 50kms zone of Cologne. The entire city of Cologne (known as Koln in German) seems to have a distinct Kölsch culture. There are multiple pubs and restaurants by the banks of River Rhine, people just sit by the river and enjoy their drinks. Most of the restaurants here serve Kölsch.
http://travelhues.blogspot.in

This drink is also served in special glasses, very different from the normal beer glasses or wine glasses. These are 0.2 centiliter rod-shaped glasses and waiters keep refilling them as soon as you empty one. The glasses are known as 'Strange'  and the waiters serving Kölsch are known as  Köbes.

http://travelhues.blogspot.in
Open air restaurants, serving Kolsch by the river Rhine
 My Perception of  Kölsch - Well, I am not a beer connoisseur, nor I have tried lots of different varieties of beers around the world. But I can say that this was by far the best alcoholic drink that I have tasted. The taste is subtle and light drink. The fizz is lesser and if you keep it too long in your glass, then the last sip doesn't taste as good as the first one. Probably that's the reason it is served in small 0.2 centiliter cylindrical glasses. It has a slightly fruity flavor, I will say slightly apple-ish,
 slightly bitter after-taste but much less stronger than the regular beer.
The color is clear golden with little fog on the top. Its mild and crisp flavor just melts in the mouth.
Unlike most of the other beers, which are too strong or bitter to enjoy, Kölsch is mid and can be enjoyed by males and females alike. I would rate it as 5/5 .

http://travelhues.blogspot.in
I think if you ever visit to Germany, then Cologne is a city which must be visited, the culture, the Kölsch, the amazing cathedral.. makes it a very memorable trip.
http://travelhues.blogspot.in

24 comments

  1. I will remember Kolsch when planning visit to Germany (and cologne!!)

    www.myunfinishedlife.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Haha, had never read about this before. And yea, that's quite a 'strange'name for a glass! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yeah.. I also came to know only when I went there... Nice place..
      Thanks Priyanka for your comment!!!

      Delete
  3. I remember the cathedral. Great pics.

    ReplyDelete
  4. first of all kudos to the picture quality and clarity. amazingly shot. secondly it was such a pleasure reading about the Kölsch. though you say that it can be liked by males too, i feel that it must be quite popular with ladies, given its lightness and mild frothiness. pleasure reading!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great post dear. I visit Dusseldorf often and pop over to Koln every now and again. Felt nostalgic, reading your post.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful shots of the place. Nice place to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nice pics. Wanted to go there last year but didn't materialize

    ReplyDelete
  8. Have heard about Kölsch but for some reasons could never try it out! Next time shall surely try.
    Great pictures of Cologne!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nice photos and so interesting to read your post..

    ReplyDelete
  10. that is colorful and beautiful :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Germany without beer...not happening! Have hear of Cologne from a friend too who stays in Germany. Maybe someday I will get to visit :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Vaisakhi for visiting my blog :) yeah Germany is known for its beers :)

      Delete