Germany

Probably the most famous place to drink kolsch is the tavern Fruh near to the cathedral in Cologne. It is a soft very drinkable kolsch with a hoppy, dry finish using Hallertau and Tettnang hops.

There are more than a dozen breweries in Cologne all specialising in the local style of beer. A pale golden aromatic ale with a delicate flavour. The brewers association has protected this style with an “appelation” and so this can only be produced in the city. The style is subtle rather than dramatic.

The biggest alt bier brewery within Dusseldorf, founded in 1873 and the name derives from the word for Lock. Light in body and taste it becomes nuttier and drier in the finish.