Cologne, Germany – With England advancing to the knockout stages of the Euro 2024 championships, fans have taken the opportunity to celebrate with locally brewed Kölsch beer. However, the traditional serving style of Kölsch has left many English supporters bemused and critical.
Criticism of Kölsch Serving Style
Kölsch, the iconic beer of Cologne, is traditionally served in tall, slender 200ml glasses, which are notably smaller than the pint glasses or steins many fans are accustomed to. Reports from the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail indicate that fans have compared these glasses to “Champagne flutes” and have expressed frustration over the small serving size. The primary complaint is that the smaller glasses require more frequent trips to the bar to keep up with their drinking habits.
Cultural Differences in Beer Serving
This reaction stems from a contrast in beer culture. Many fans, particularly those familiar with Munich’s Oktoberfest, are used to the iconic two-pint steins and were surprised to find that different regions in Germany have their own unique beer styles and serving traditions. Kölsch glasses, at approximately one-third of a pint, are similar to the ‘third’ glass used in craft beer circles for strong stouts, IPAs, or DIPAs with high alcohol content, where larger servings are deemed excessive.
Protected Geographical Indication
Kölsch beer has held a protected geographical indication within the EU since 1997, meaning it must be brewed within 31 miles of Cologne. This bright yellow Vollbier, a ‘normal’ beer with an original gravity of 11%–12%, adheres to strict brewing conventions. The Kölsch Konvention, established by the Cologne Brewery Association (Kölner Brauerei-Verband), dictates that Kölsch must be warm-fermented with top-fermenting yeast and then conditioned at cold temperatures, similar to lager.
Traditional Brewing Methods
The brewing process of Kölsch shares similarities with Düsseldorf’s maltier altbier. Both styles follow the Reinheitsgebot, the German beer purity law, which stipulates that beer can only contain water, barley, and hops. This adherence to tradition ensures the quality and authenticity of Kölsch beer, contributing to its distinct taste and presentation.
Fan Reactions and Adaptation
Despite initial bemusement, many fans have come to appreciate the unique experience of drinking Kölsch in its traditional setting. The smaller glasses, while initially seen as inconvenient, offer an opportunity to savor the beer’s flavor and enjoy the local culture more intimately. As fans continue to explore Cologne and its beer offerings, they gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich brewing heritage.
The clash of beer cultures highlights the diversity within Germany’s beer traditions and underscores the importance of regional specificity in brewing. For England fans, the Euro 2024 championships have provided not just a sporting spectacle, but also an educational journey into the world of Kölsch beer.
