Sünner Kölsch

Sünner Brauerei
Köln, Germany
Imported by: Artisanal Imports
Austin, TX

Available: TX, CO, CA, RI, IN, OH, NY, MI, ME, NC, GA, SC

The Sünner brewery, the oldest in Cologne, brews the traditional Kölsch style, unusual in German brewing tradition in that it is an ale, not a lager, which is then cold-conditioned in the manner of a lager.

ABV: 5.6
ABW: 4.5
Color: 3.5
Bitterness: n/a
Original gravity: 1050

A fine example of the least well known, but among the most delicious, German brewing styles; Kölsch is the pride of Cologne, also famous for another aromatic product, its namesake perfume. Handsome bright gold, has depth and richness. The nose is opulent, with sexy tones of yeast and flowers: aromatic, yet refined and pleasant. Don't let the light color fool you; this is a beer with style and flavor, perfect for many foods. Snowed in with the three bottles supplied, we sampled it with a wide variety of foods, like buffalo chili with black eyed peas, spaghetti with extra virgin olive oil and anchovy sprinkled with hot pepper flakes, and simple rare grilled ahi and rice, all very nice.
- Charles Finkel

This beer is remarkably ale-like with a compelling German hop character. Light and refreshing body, aroma, flavor and carbonation. In appearance it could be a lager, but Kölsch is a German ale. Sweet malt and hop characters are not compromised, yet not aggressive. I'd love to enjoy this in the city of Cologne, Germany where it was brewed. Fresh it must be remarkable. Unfortunately it hasn't survived the journey to my glass in condition that would make the brewer proud. A bit of an aged wet paper aroma and flavor interferes with what once was an eloquent Kölsch.
- Charlie Papazian

Charles Finkel
Founder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.

Charlie Papazian
Author of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and a Beer Examiner at www.examiner.com, Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.

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