Kölsch, the Purity Law, and a Kölsch Scandal: Beer Laws Older than Bavaria
Anyone who believes the German Purity Law is a Bavarian invention has probably never discussed it with a true Colognian at the bar. Because while the Bavarians were still chewing on their Weißwurst in the 15th century, the Colognians had long set their brewing compass – towards purity, taste, and quality. It’s time to properly “expose” the Purity Law and show why Cologne has always been at the forefront of beer brewing.
Cologne Purity Law: 1412 and Cologne’s Pioneering Role
Long before Wilhelm IV proclaimed the famous Purity Law in Bavaria, the Cologne city council already got down to business in 1412: According to the council’s decision, only hops and malt were allowed as ingredients for Kölsch beer – water and yeast were then self-evident components of the brewing process, even if they were not yet understood as such. With this, Cologne was more than 100 years ahead of its time.
While the rest of the empire was still experimenting with all sorts of herbs and dubious ingredients, the Colognians already focused on clarity in the glass and in the law.
A small side note for know-it-alls: At that time, a lot of Grutbier was still brewed in Cologne – a beer spiced with herbs that was eventually replaced by hops. From the beginning of the 15th century, hops also became the standard in Cologne – and the famous Keutebier was born.
The Bavarian Purity Law: Stolen from the Colognians?
In 1516, the great Bavarian Purity Law came into being – a law that is considered the origin of German beer culture today. However, the list of ingredients was almost identical to Cologne’s rule from 1412.
Who copied whom here? While the Bavarians celebrate the Purity Law as a milestone, the Colognians quietly smile into their Kölsch glass and know:
“We were faster!”
You can experience even more anecdotes about Kölsch beer laws and beer house stories live on our tours through Cologne.
Kölsch Convention: why Kölsch is Currently the Only Top-Fermented Beer Subject to the Purity Law
Now it gets legally interesting: While many top-fermented German beers can be brewed according to the Purity Law today, there is only one type of beer that must be: Kölsch!
The Kölsch Convention of 1985 stipulates that Kölsch may only be brewed according to the Purity Law – namely as a light, hop-accentuated, clear, top-fermented full-bodied beer.
Furthermore: Kölsch is not only a type of beer, but also a protected geographical indication (PGI). This means: Only beer brewed in Cologne and complying with the rules of the convention may be called Kölsch.
Fun Fact (to dispel a myth once and for all):
No – you are not only allowed to brew Kölsch where you can see the Cologne Cathedral.
However, some breweries outside Cologne are still allowed to brew Kölsch thanks to grandfathering rights if they were already on the market before 1985. Today, these are still Bischoff Kölsch and Zunft Kölsch
Nevertheless, it holds true: Anyone who wants to open a new “Kölsch” brewery outside the Cathedral City today is out of luck – the name is strictly protected.
Kölsch: more than just a Beer – a Piece of Cologne Identity
Kölsch is not just a drink. It is a way of life, tradition, and a piece of home in a glass. Its history ranges from the first brewers in the Middle Ages, through the legendary “Wieß” (the naturally cloudy precursor to Kölsch), to the modern beer houses that still brew according to the old rules today.
And while in other cities the Purity Law is seen more as an option, for Kölsch, it is law. That makes the difference – and explains why the Kölsch glass is always a little fuller: with history, pride, and, of course, taste.
Conclusion: Cologne – where Beer History Stays Alive
The next time you enjoy a fresh Kölsch, you can proudly say:
More is in here than just hops, malt, water, and yeast – namely over 600 years of Cologne brewing tradition and a Purity Law that is older than the Bavarian beer myth.
More stories and Kölsch anecdotes? You can experience them live and in full color on our tours through Cologne. Cheers!
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