Kelsch beer owes its origin to the city of Cologne, which is located in Germany. However, this drink has its own characteristics and is somewhat different from standard types of beer. The history of its appearance, interesting facts and the drink itself will be discussed later in the article.
Production history
Kelsh beer has more than 200 years of history, and since 1986 it has been unified, and only Cologne breweries have the right to make it. By the way, beer was brewed here in the 13th century, even before the famous Cologne Cathedral appeared.
In the city there is Aigelstein street, which is considered to be the street of brewers. Here in the XIV century there were many private small-scale production of a foamy drink. Gradually, the brewers created their own commune, which later became the union of manufacturers and was called “Gaffel”. And at the end of the XIV century, the union became so strong and influential that it was able to form the council of Cologne, as well as elect judges and the mayor.
In March 1986, the Chancellor of Germany issued and then signed the law on "Beer from Cologne." It spells out strict rules for the production of Kelsh beer, which were signed by 24 brewery owners. It went down in history as the “Kelsh Convention”, and anyone who expresses a desire to produce the named drink is required to sign it and comply with the regulations.
This beer is the most popular in Cologne, and accounts for one third of all production in the city. Today it is known worldwide as a high-quality and tasty product.
Gaffel Kelsh beer
This drink has a pleasant malt aroma that is barely perceptible. In it you can distinguish very delicate, subtle fruity notes of cherry and apple. Such a fermentation aroma is optional, but desirable.
The named beer has a soft and full-bodied taste, which is ideally balanced by the proportion of malt and wheat. Of course, all manufacturers taste slightly different from each other, but the general features of the drink are very characteristic. By the way, during tasting from special cylindrical glasses, beer reveals itself in the best possible way.
Kelsh beer has a golden color, which varies from bright to pale tones. An ideal drink is considered when it is filtered to an almost transparent golden color. Beer has a soft thick foam of white color, which does not settle for a long time, while keeping under its cap all the charm of the drink.
The aftertaste during the tasting is very pleasant, with a piquant light bitterness and a delicate caramel shade.
Interesting Facts
- Kelsh beer is the only foamy drink that is served in such an unusual glass, a photo of which you can see in the article. Its volume of 200 ml is also unusual.
- Despite the “Kelsh Convention”, each manufacturer allows himself a peculiar interpretation of it. For this reason, the taste of the drink at each brewery is significantly different, while the general rules of brewing are observed.
- Some manufacturers have recently begun to produce various variations of the drink, such as unfiltered species. But drink lovers who adhere to strict rules and adherence to a true Kelsh beer recipe believe that this cannot be a real Cologne beer.
Beer differences
Kelsh differs in the content of malt, wheat and hops in each brewery, which is allowed by the convention. A drink may have different bitterness, for which there is a special specification.
The delicate taste profile of old beer recipes allows for significant acidity, which is absent in young versions. Kelsh beer, prepared in accordance with all the rules, has a very short shelf life, for which it is often called "live".
It is interesting that this drink has such a pleasant taste and high quality thanks not only to its unique recipe, which has been preserved for many years, but also because of the water. In the production of this beer uses pure artesian water, which is obtained from wells.
Beverage Reviews
The Kelsh beer produced in Cologne is rightfully considered one of the best drinks. Numerous reviews speak of its great taste, which cannot be confused with anything else.
It is recommended to drink it chilled to a temperature of 8 to 10 ° C, it is in this case that the drink reveals all the charm of its taste and aroma. Due to its moderate strength of 4.8 ° and top fermentation during production, this beer has a delicate sparkling taste, which is remembered for a lifetime.
Some people consider Cologne beer to be almost ideal, which, in principle, is not far from the truth. Ancient recipes, the accuracy of the ratio of ingredients and the purest water from artesian wells make it one of the best in the world.
Arriving in Cologne, you will surely come across numerous offers of excursions to the breweries that produce Kelsh. In addition to sightseeing tours, you can visit the tasting rooms where you will be offered to try a drink. Of course, it is worth doing this in order to understand how delicious and pleasant it is. After your first tasting, you are guaranteed to become a fan of Kelsh beer.