If you’ve ever scanned a beer menu and paused at “Kölsch,” you’re not alone. It’s a style that’s crisp, light, and incredibly easy to love—but still leaves a lot of people wondering: Is it an ale or a lager? Where did it come from? And how exactly do you say it?
With our newest beer release, Give It Time, we’re diving into the world of Kölsch. Whether you’re totally new to the style or just curious about what makes it special, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Kölsch beer and how is it different from a lager?
Kölsch is one of those styles that doesn’t fit neatly into one box. It’s technically an ale, but it’s brewed in a way that borrows from both ale and lager traditions:
- – Fermented like an ale – using top-fermenting yeast
- – Conditioned like a lager – cold-aged for a clean, crisp finish
So what’s the difference from a classic lager? While lagers tend to be a bit more neutral or bready, Kölsch often has a slightly fruity aroma, delicate hop bitterness, and a soft malt presence. It’s like a hybrid—bright and refreshing with just enough complexity to keep you sipping.
What does Kölsch beer taste like?
Kölsch is known for being incredibly drinkable. It’s light in body and color but offers more flavor than your standard domestic light beer. Here’s what you can expect in a typical glass:
- – Crisp and clean finish
- – Gentle malt sweetness (think honey or crackers)
- – Mild hop bitterness that balances things out
- – Subtle fruity esters from the ale yeast
With our Give It Time, we’re using Riverbend Chesapeake Pilsner as the base grain, bringing in notes of bread crumbs and honeysuckle, plus a noble hop blend of Saaz and Hersbrucker for a soft herbal touch.
What food goes best with Kölsch?
Kölsch is a versatile pairing beer. Its clean profile and mild bitterness make it a great match for all kinds of dishes:
- – Grilled bratwurst or sausages
- – Roast chicken or pork
- – Mild cheeses like Havarti or Swiss
- – Seafood—especially white fish or shrimp
- – Salads with citrus vinaigrette
- – Soft pretzels (because why not?)
At Reformation, we love it with anything salty, savory, or slightly smoky (BBQ? Queenies? Owens & Hull? *wink* *wink*). Kölsch doesn’t overpower—it complements.
How do you pronounce Kölsch and what does the word mean?
It’s pronounced “k’oolsh” (rhymes with “bullsh” but nicer). The word “Kölsch” refers to something that’s from Cologne (Köln), Germany—which is the only place in the world where a beer can legally be called Kölsch under German law.
It’s a style with centuries of tradition and regional pride. While we’re not in Cologne, we honor that spirit by giving it the patience and care it deserves—hence the name, Give It Time.
Ready to try a Kölsch for yourself?
Our newest beer release, Give It Time, is our tribute to the Kölsch style: crisp, balanced, and full of subtle character. At 4.8% ABV, it’s the perfect companion for long afternoons, rooftop hangs, and backyard cheers.
We brewed this one with purpose—and just like the name suggests, it’s worth slowing down for.
👉 Find it now on draft and in package at Reformation Woodstock, Smyrna, & Canton.
Or come chat with us in person, ask questions, and let your curiosity (and your pint) run free.
About Riverbend Malt House
At Riverbend Malt House, tradition meets innovation. Their team combines age-old floor malting methods—including hand-raking grain during germination—with state-of-the-art GKVs (Germ-Kiln-Vessels) to produce some of the most exceptional craft malt in the industry.
All of their grains are sourced within 500 miles of their Asheville, NC, malt house, building strong relationships with regional farmers and delivering high-quality, locally-sourced grain to brewers and distillers across the Southeast.
Whether you’re after a small-batch experimental malt or a large-scale custom order, Riverbend’s team of experts is ready to collaborate and craft flavor to fit your vision. Up to 4,000 lbs. of malt can ship same-day (if ordered before noon, Monday–Thursday), and local orders can even be delivered free of charge in Asheville.
Every batch undergoes extensive testing, including sensory evaluation and third-party analysis, to ensure top-tier performance and flavor.
They believe their malt is the best in the business—but as they say, you’ll have to try it to find out.
🔗 Learn more: riverbendmalt.com/process