This Kölsch 5 Gallon beer recipe kit helps you brew a crisp, clean German-style ale with subtle malt character, noble hop aroma, and a smooth, refreshing finish, ready to drink in about four weeks.
Makes 5 gallons (approximately 48–54 bottles) of Kölsch
Ready to drink in about 4 weeks
Clean, crushable German-style ale
Ingredient-only 5-gallon beer recipe kit
The driest and crispest finish
K-97 attenuates well clear of the other four, which gives the crisp dry finish a Kolsch lives on. It leans floral and lightly fruity and suits the Saaz and Perle well. It forms a big firm head and is slow to settle, so it needs the full cold crash to go bright.
Ferment at 64-79°F
Attenuation 80-84%
Flocculation Low
Subtle and hop friendly
Lager-like, with the hops lifted
A lager-like ale strain that is lightly fruity, crisp and clean, and it brings hop flavor forward, which counts for a lot in a beer this restrained. Expect a hint of sulfur that ages out. Flocculation is medium low, so the cold crash is doing real work here.
Ferment at 65-69°F
Attenuation 72-78%
Flocculation Medium-Low
Lager-like, hop friendly
Ale fruit over a lager base
This one gives you a touch of ale fruitiness sitting over an otherwise lager-clean beer, which is precisely what the style is meant to be. Low or no detectable diacetyl. It is powdery and stays in suspension, so it needs a full cold crash.
Ferment at 56-70°F
Attenuation 73-77%
Flocculation Low
Ale fruit, lager finish
The hoppiest read on a Kolsch
WLP029 brings hop flavor and bitterness forward while keeping a clean lager-like character, which gives the Saaz and Perle more to say than you might expect. It stops working if it gets cold before it has finished, so let it complete before the crash.
Ferment at 65-69°F
Attenuation 72-78%
Flocculation Medium
Crisp, clean, hop friendly
The most neutral of the five
1007 produces very few esters across a wide range, so this becomes the cleanest, least yeast driven version of the beer, with the malt and Saaz completely exposed. It also matures rapidly even when fermented cool. Powdery, so it needs the full cold crash.
Ferment at 55-68°F
Attenuation 73-77%
Flocculation Low
Crisp, low ester, wide range
✅ Beginner-friendly with step-by-step brewing support
Flavor Profile & Beer Style
The Kolsch is a light, clean German ale with subtle malt character and restrained hop aroma. Notes of biscuit and bread from the malt provide balance, while noble Saaz and Perle hops add gentle floral and spicy accents.
Fermented with ale yeast and conditioned cold, the result is a smooth, highly drinkable beer with a crisp finish that closely resembles a lager.
What’s Included in the Recipe Kit
This 5-gallon recipe kit includes all the ingredients needed to brew Kölsch at home:
6.25 lb Pilsen dry malt extract
Saaz hops (bittering)
Perle hops (flavor)
Steeping grains
Grain steeping bag
Your choice of yeast (dry yeast, liquid yeast, or no yeast if you have your own)
Note: Brewing equipment is not included. This kit is designed for brewers who already own a 5-gallon brewing setup.
How the Brewing Process Works
Brewing your Kölsch follows a traditional ale process with cold conditioning to achieve a clean, lager-like finish:
Brew: Steep specialty grains, boil the wort, and add hops
Ferment: Ferment with ale yeast at controlled temperatures
Condition: Cold condition the beer to promote clarity and smoothness
Enjoy: Ready to drink in about 4 weeks
For best results, fermenting on the cooler end of the temperature range and cold crashing before packaging will help produce a crisp, clear Kölsch.
New to Liquid Yeast?
Liquid yeast can deliver excellent fermentation performance and a wider range of strain options, but it’s a living, perishable product that requires a little extra care.
Liquid yeast may arrive warm. Ice packs help reduce heat exposure but do not guarantee cold arrival.
Refrigerate it when received and plan to brew as soon as possible.
We recommend adding an insulated mailer + ice pack to liquid yeast orders.
During May–September, dry yeast is strongly recommended due to higher shipping temperatures.
Liquid yeast is final sale and cannot be replaced due to heat exposure during transit.
Drinkers who prefer crisp, refreshing beer with subtle hop character
Because it’s brewed in larger volume, this kit is well suited for sharing, kegging, or keeping a light, versatile beer on hand.
Kolsch Specs
Batch Size: 5 gallons
ABV: ~5.9%
Style: Kölsch
Bitterness: Low
Color: Pale gold
Recommended Dry Yeast: Ale yeast (SafAle K-97)
Brewing Support, Anytime.
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Quality You Can Trust.
We use the same premium grains, hops & yeast trusted by the pros. No shortcuts. No substitutes. Just the good stuff.
The "We Got You" Guarantee.
We’re committed to your first batch being a great one. If something goes sideways, we’ll help you troubleshoot or replace what you need - fast.
Kolsch 5 Gallon Beer Recipe Kit
From $38.50
What You'll Brew
Kolsch (German-Style Ale)
A crisp, pale German-style ale brewed with noble hops and a smooth malt backbone. This beer delivers light floral aroma, subtle bread-like malt character, and a clean, dry finish that drinks like a lager while maintaining ale simplicity.
What's Inside the Kolsch 5 Gallon Beer Recipe Kit
This 5-gallon recipe kit includes all the ingredients needed to brew Kölsch at home:
6.25 lb Pilsen dry malt extract
Saaz hops (bittering)
Perle hops (flavor)
Steeping grains
Grain steeping bag
Your choice of yeast (dry yeast, liquid yeast, or no yeast if you have your own)
Note: Brewing equipment is not included. This kit is designed for brewers who already own a 5-gallon brewing setup.
Make Your Next Batch with the Kolsch Beer Recipe Kit
This kit lets you experience the balance and precision behind one of Germany’s most refined beer styles. With premium ingredients and clear instructions, you will brew a beer that highlights patience, temperature control, and clean fermentation. Whether you are brewing your first batch or refining your technique, this Kolsch kit delivers classic flavor and satisfying results.
Easy Steps to Making Kolsch Beer
Our Kolsch 5 Gallon Beer recipe kit is designed to be easy & fun to brew, perfect for beginners & experienced brewers alike! Our brewing process yields a crisp, refreshing ale that drinks like a lager in 4 short weeks.
Make Your Beer Look As Good As It Tastes.
You brewed something worth showing off. Starting at $4.99, give your bottles the finishing touch with our beer labels. Perfect for sharing your latest batch, gifting a few, or stocking your fridge with pride. Shop matching labels
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Want Extra Guidance? We've Got You Covered.
New to homebrewing or want extra confidence on brew day? Our Guide to Craft Brewing walks you through every step of the process—from brewing and fermentation to bottling and conditioning. It’s written in plain language and designed to help you brew great beer on your very first batch.
