A clear, unpasteurised and refreshing ale, Früh has a colour as pale as any pilsner, with a thick white head, with a malt aroma and delicate flavours of vanilla and flowery hops.
A style distinctive to Cologne, the name Kölsch is protected by law (Kölsch Konvention) so that only beers brewed in and around the city can bear the name.
Früh is well regarded in the city and considered one of the best Kölsch. Probably the most famous place to drink Kölsch is the Cölner Hofbräu Früh, near to the cathedral in Cologne.
Fruh have been brewing their very unusual Kolsch beer for over 100 years in the shadow of Cologne cathedral. Kolsch is a top-fermented beer – using an ale yeast rather than a lager – but is then lagered at very low temperatures like a pilsner or a helles.
I am now a bit of a Kolsch fan. One of the positives to come out of the pandemic was discovering it and subsequently setting out to find stockists. Wanted to get some in for the extended bank holiday and Beer Merchants have come up trumps. Great price and excellent service. Delivered in under 48 hours from making the order so the preparation has started. Cheers