Following England’s advancement to the knockout stages of the Euro 2024 championships, fans sought to celebrate with Kölsch beer, a traditional style from Cologne served in distinctive 200ml tall glasses. However, reports from the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail indicate that the smaller serving size left some fans bemused and craving more liquid.
Described as reminiscent of “Champagne flutes,” the tall, slender Kölsch glasses drew criticism from thirsty supporters accustomed to larger vessels, such as the two-pint steins often seen at Munich’s Oktoberfest. This unfamiliarity underscores the diversity of beer styles and serving customs across different regions of Germany.
In the context of Imperial measurements, the Kölsch glass equates to a ‘third’ pint, a format popular among craft beer enthusiasts for stronger brews like stouts and IPAs with higher alcohol content. This size is preferred when a full pint might be considered excessive.
The Kölsch beer style, classified as a bright yellow ‘Vollbier’ with an original gravity of 11%–12%, has held protected geographical status within the EU since 1997, requiring production within 31 miles of Cologne. Brewed under the Kölsch Konvention by members of the Cologne Brewery Association, it undergoes warm fermentation with top-fermenting yeast and cold conditioning akin to lagers, adhering strictly to the Reinheitsgebot purity law.
Despite initial bemusement, England’s football fans have encountered a slice of German beer culture that showcases both tradition and regional diversity, adding a unique touch to their Euro 2024 experience.
