Fruh Kolsch 0.0%

Fruh Brewery is one of the most famous Kölsch breweries in Germany and basically part of the furniture in Cologne at this point. Founded back in 1904, Früh has spent over a century making crisp, refreshing Kölsch that perfectly captures the easy-drinking beer culture the city is known for.

Kölsch itself is a slightly unusual style. Technically it’s an ale because it’s top fermented, but it drinks with the clean crispness of a lager thanks to cold conditioning. The result is light, delicate and ridiculously sessionable beer with soft malt character, subtle fruitiness and a dry refreshing finish that makes one glass turn into several without much resistance.

Früh’s version is pretty much textbook Kölsch. Clean, balanced and incredibly easy to drink without ever feeling bland. There’s a gentle bready malt note underneath the crispness along with a touch of floral hop bitterness that keeps everything refreshing rather than watery.

The brewery’s pub culture is also legendary. In traditional Cologne beer halls, Kölsch is served in small glasses called Stangen, and servers will keep replacing your empty glass automatically until you physically surrender by putting a coaster on top. Which is either charming hospitality or an incredibly efficient trap depending how the evening’s going.