I would like to discuss a style of beer you do not hear about very often: Kölsch.  Kölsch is a beer from Cologne, Germany.  Similar to a Pilsner, it is light to medium bodied with light to medium hopping.  It is conditioned like a lager but top-fermented with yeast strains more suitable for ales.  This makes for a great brew on a hot day, which is why you see many breweries using it for their summertime offerings.    Some examples that you may see at ABC is Flying Dog Brewery's “Tire Bite Golden Ale”, Harpoon “Summer Beer”, and Gordon Biersch “Sommerbrau”.  You can also find it on tap under the name “Brewhouse Blonde” at BJ’s restaurant.  A great one from Germany is Reissdorf Kölsch with vinous hoppy notes and bready malts in the nose and a crisp, refreshing body with hints of minty hops and appley malts.  Since Kölsch is such a laid-back beer, you should pair it with simple foods that will not overpower its taste.  In fact, German food is great with it.  Here is a recipe for some beer bratwursts for five hungry people on a hot day.

• 1 pound of fresh bratwurst sausages


• 1 onion sliced thin


• 1 green pepper sliced thin


• 1 yellow pepper sliced thin


• 3 bottles of Kölsch


• ½ cup of butter


• ¾ teaspoon of fresh ground black peppercorns


• 5 soft hoagie rolls cut lengthwise

Put sausages, onion, pepper, beer, and butter in a stockpot over medium heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.  While the ingredients are simmering, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.  Lightly oil the grate and cook the brats on the preheated grill for 10 to 15 minutes turning them occasionally to brown them evenly.   Sprinkle with the ground peppercorns and stuff each hoagie with the onions and peppers then add the bratwurst.  Serve with some deli style mustard if desired and have plenty of ice-cold Kölsch to drink with it!

Beer blogger Adam Shugan is assistant manager at our Archer Road store in Gainesville.