The only beer legally protected by its city of origin (alongside Düsseldorfer Altbier). Kölsch is a pale, top-fermented ale cold-conditioned to lager clarity, served in a strict 0.2L Stange glass by a kobes who replaces without being asked until a coaster covers the glass. Brewed only within the Cologne area under the 1986 Kölsch Konvention. There are around 60 different Kölsch brands; Früh, Gaffel and Päffgen are the most widely available.

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