Kolsch
Not quite a Lager - Just as Good
Kolsch is a light, german, cool-fermented ale that could be easily compared to a lager - yet it is brewed with
an ale yeast. With a mild, balanced hop aroma, Kolsch style beer is slightly fruity, and refreshing.
True Kolsch beer is brewed in the 20 or so breweries specified originally in by the Kolsch Konvention in Cologne, Germany.
The Beer
Kolsch is made primarily with a base of Pilsner malt to provide a nice, clean base. In addition, wheat adds a bit
of interest and head-retention. Another grain like light Munich or Vienna can be added as well for some interest.
Traditional German hops are, of course, at home in this style - Tettnanger, or Hallertau for example. Some of the US
variants like Northern Brewer can also be used.
The key to this style is the yeast - there are specific Kolsch style yeasts that the various companies sell for
brewing Kolsch - all are fermented in the low 60's for best results.
| OG: 1.044 - 1.050 | FG: 1.007 - 1.011 | IBU: 20 - 30 | sRM: 3.5 - 5 | ABV: 4.4% - 5.2% |
All Grain Recipe - Kolsch ::: 1.048/1.012 (5 Gal)
Grain Bill
9 lbs. - Pilsner Malt (German if you have it)
1/2 lb. - Munich Malt (Light, 10L)
1/2 lb. - Wheat Malt
Hop Schedule (14 IBU)
3/4 oz - Northern Brewer (60 Min.)
1/4 oz - Northern Brewer (30 Min.)
- OR -
1.75 oz - Hallertauer (60 Min.)
Yeast
White Labs German Ale / Kolsch (WLP029) - 1800 ml starter
Mash/Sparge/Boil
Mash at 152° for 30 min.
Sparge as usual
Boil for 60 minutes
Cool and ferment at 65° to 69°
