Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which of the following cities is the traditional home of the Kolsch style?

1. Berlin, Germany

2. Cologne, Germany

3. Munich, Germany

4. Frankfurt, Germany

The correct answer is: Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany, is recognized as the traditional home of the Kölsch beer style. This top-fermented beer is characterized by its light, crisp profile and is often served in a small, cylindrical glass known as a "stange." The Kölsch style has its roots in the brewing traditions of Cologne, where it is produced and consumed widely. The designation "Kölsch" is protected by law, ensuring that only beer brewed in and around Cologne can be labeled as such. This connection to the city is essential to understanding the style’s unique characteristics and its cultural significance in the region. Other cities mentioned, like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, are known for their own unique beer styles, but they do not have the historical association with Kölsch that Cologne does.