Cologne's protected pale top-fermented ale, cold-conditioned to lager clarity, served in a strict 0.2L Stange glass by a kobes who replaces the glass without being asked until you cover it with a coaster.

Kölsch is one of two beers legally protected by city of origin in Germany (alongside Düsseldorfer Altbier), regulated under the 1986 Kölsch Konvention which restricts production to roughly 60 breweries within the Cologne area. The pale top-fermenting yeast and cold conditioning combine ale character with lager clarity. Früh, Gaffel and Päffgen are the most widely available brands; the city pours roughly 1.5 million hectolitres each year, almost all in 0.2L glasses.

3 editor picks for Kölsch in Cologne, ranked by editorial score. All Cologne signature dishes · Kölsch across every city.