Customer Reviews

Kolsch: History, Brewing Techniques, Recipes (Classic Beer Style)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Eric Warner does a wonderful, entertaining job at explaining the history and style of Kolsch beer. Well written with well detailed techniques and recipes. I recommend this to anyone who is going to brew a Kolsch.

This is the book in English to own if you want to know more about Kölsch or want to brew your own Kölsch at home or commercially.

But the book isn't perfect. More text (and photographs) could have been devoted to the unique style which Kölsch is served in Cologne, Germany.

Most articles do not stress enough the non-flocculating nature of authentic Kölsch yeasts (like WLP029, WY2575 (this is a new one) and WY2565 -- my personal preference is 2565). To obtain an authentic Kölsch, you MUST filter your beer! Most homebrewers feel that filtering is evilness wrought from big, commercial breweries (and you need the proper equipment and time); but it is an absolute necessity for this style. BUT I don't filter my Kölsch. Un-filtered Kölsch is properly referred to as a Wiess (sic) which is what I end up with. I guess someone could describe it as a Hefekölsch, but that term is not used. On the labels of unfiltered Kölsch in Germany, the word "Naturtrüb" is included on the label.

I would give this book 4.5 stars if I could.

Pros't!

If you are interested in the "Kolsh" style, I think this book is a great read. I would not get it if you are only looking for some recipes of Kolsh, there are not many to choose from in this book due to the style. With some of the other books in this series I had hoped for a few "clone" attempts, but with Kolsh, that is simply not necessary. Primary factors in brewing this style are temperature that you ferment and yeast contributions and characteristics.

This is a nice style beer to brew if you want to let people try a homebrew that would move them away from a commercial brewed brand without overwhelming them.

It is well written and not overly scientific.

I had already purchased the special glasses and tray as a hostess gift --- this book is just perfect to go with them.

I don't make beer, but my husband does and the book was a gift for him. When I got the book and looked through it, I wasn't sure if it would be what he wanted, but he seems genuinely pleased with it. He says that it's been a useful reference tool and that the author is very knowledgeable.