Legally the only true Kölsch must be made in Köln (Cologne) Germany, the name is protected in the same way that champaign is. There are several "Kölsch Style" beers made outside of Cologne. True Kölsch has been defined by the "Kölsch-Konvention" down to the taste profile, the areas it can be produced in and even the glassware to serve it in, a tall thin cylinder of about 0.2 litres

Kölsch is a kind of hybrid beer, it is made as an ale, fairly warm fermentation with top fermenting yeast. At this point it is chilled and stored (lagered) for a couple months. The lagering helps to smooth and mellow the flavours.

Kölsch is an extremely clear beer, the clarity is actually noticeable, due to the filtration used. The colour ranges from straw to gold and the head will be bright white.

Kölsch usually gives a light fruity aroma with a touch of grain hay or grass. The hop aroma is usually faint to non-existent.

The taste profile should closely follow the aroma with hints of apple or pear mixed with grass or hay. The hop taste should be noticeable providing a lightly bitter and usually dry finish.

Kölsch usually has an alcohol content of between 4% and 5%, usually close to the high end of the scale.

It makes a great easy drinking summer beer.