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Kölsch

BJCP 5B specs

The band is the guideline range — the marker is where the modern homebrew average actually lies.

OG

1.049

1.044

1.050

FG

1.011

1.007

1.011

ABV

5.0%

4.4

5.2

IBU

25

18

30

BU:GU

0.52

0.36

0.68

SRM

4

4

5

Grain character

Each axis is scaled to how intense that flavour gets in real malt bills.

Hop character

0-5 scale. 0s mean no aroma values available.

Common grains

Average share of the grain bill when used.

2°
Pilsner malt82%
4°
Vienna malt11%
2°
Wheat malt11%
2°
Pale / 2-row (generic)65%
9°
Munich (light)10%
2°
Carapils / dextrine7%
3°
Acidulated malt3%
20°
Crystal (light, ~10-30°L)5%

Common hops

By how often brewers reach for them.

Hallertau Mittelfrüh🇩🇪

Tettnanger🇩🇪

Alpha2.5–6.0%Beta3.0–5.0%

Alpha2.5–6.0%Beta4.0–8.0%

Hersbrucker🇩🇪

Alpha1.5–4.0%Beta2.5–6.0%

Alpha11.0–16.0%Beta5.0–8.0%

Alpha3.0–11.0%Beta2.3–6.0%

Cascade🇺🇸

Alpha4.0–9.0%Beta4.5–9.0%

Common yeasts

By how often brewers pitch each strain.

WLP029 German Ale/Kölsch Yeast

Atten72–78%Temp18–21°C

Atten73–77%Temp13–21°C

Atten80–84%Temp12–25°C

Escarpment Labs

Atten72–78%Temp18–21°C

Atten78–82%Temp12–25°C

OYL-044 Kolsch II

Atten72–78%Temp18–21°C

1007 German Ale

Atten73–77%Temp13–20°C

WLP003 German Ale II Yeast

Atten73–80%Temp18–21°C

Brew a Kölsch