Cologne’s Kolsch Experience

The Cologne kolsch experience is one of the most unique drinking cultures in Germany. So what is kolsch you ask? Instead of the giant beers you see at Oktoberfest, those in Cologne come in small glasses. You drink more of these smaller portions so they remain cold.

Like with champagne or bourbon, kolsch beer must be from Cologne to be “true” kolsch. There are only a few brands, including Dom and Gaffel. But the kolsch-style beer is growing in popularity worldwide. The beer itself is of medium alcoholic percentage and is light like a lager.

If you’re in Cologne for a few days, I highly recommend going to a kolsch bar. I went to Gaffel am Dom near the main train station and cathedral on a particularly rainy and miserable evening. They were celebrating Oktoberfest even there.  I ordered a bowl of soup and was immediately asked if I wanted a beer.

There is someone constantly pouring and topping up the small glasses of beer. Waiters carry around a dozen glasses in a specially made caddy. As soon as yours is empty, they will bring you another, marking your coaster, or beermat, with a mark. Once you’ve had your fill, simply put the coaster over the glass. The waiter will tally your total and bring you the bill.

So how does kolsch compare to other German beer halls? I think I enjoyed it more than others in Munich because it gives you a sense of portion control. If you’re not a fast drinker your beer will remain cold longer. The waiters also come around more often and can carry more glasses.

Have you ever had your own Cologne kolsch experience?