Kölsch is a pale, mildly hopped ale, with a unique soft fruitiness in the finish. Developed in the German city of Cologne, Kölsch has become increasingly popular in Germany in recent years, perhaps due to its unique quality of being an ale with the refreshing lightness of a lager, yet with the more complex, fruity finish of an ale. True German Kölsch is rarely seen bottled in the United States, probably due to German law which states Kólsch can only be brewed in Cologne, and only by one of the 22 licensed Kölsch breweries. Alcohol: 3.8%, IBU's 27.
William's Kölsch is an authentic rendering of this famous Cologne beer style, and can be either consumed quickly like an ale, or lagered (stored cold) after bottling for 8 weeks to develop the milder traditional flavor. Includes 6 pounds of blended malt extract, flavoring and aromatic hops, liquid yeast, and corn sugar for carbonation.
Makes 5 gallons with a starting gravity of at least 1.039. Ease of Brewing: Beginner.
Click 
to download the instructions in pdf format.
This shows our Kolsch after 3 weeks in the bottle.
You can be the first to ask a questions.
A beer for all
Pros: I brewed this beer and took it to a friend's Octoberfest. Everyone liked the beer. People who usually drink Coors Light and those who drink Guiness all enjoyed the flavor of the Kolsch.
Just like Williams said
Pros: I have been brewing for about a year now. I keep very careful computerized records of each batch, noting every step and the results. I brew kits from Williams and other sources. So far, Kolsch is the best beer I have brewed that suits my taste. I think the Williams description (above) really nails the flavor of this beer. It tastes a lot like the German lagers I remember from my Air Force tour over there in the 60’s. It is not “strong” on flavor or alcohol. I can drink several without feeling bloated. It is a little sweet, and may not suite people who like strong, heavy, ale brew-pub style beers. But anyone who likes Mexican or German lagers will, I think, like this as good as, or better. Better, perhaps, because it has a fuller food flavor. It will be hard for me to try a different kit because I doubt that I will like another as well. Ah, well: so little life, so many beer!!!
Delicious
Pros: Perfect beer that anyone would enjoy. I have to admit I did change the recipe a little by using whole Hallertauer hops and dry hopping (kind of takes away from the Kolsch concept, but hey, this is America). Light body, definitely a session beer. Still have some lagering at 55deg. We'll see how they end up after another month or so. Can't wait. OG: 1.040 FG: 1.008. Highly recommend for someone looking for that first beer to brew as I can't imagine it disappointing.
Cons: none
Great First Brew!!!
Pros: This was my first attempt at homebrewing and it turned out great! I racked it to a secondary fermentor (carboy) and allowed it to sit for 10 days before bottling. Very smooth taste! Can't wait to start another one... j.d.
Cons: This batch will be gone before the next one is ready.
Best so far
Pros: This was my first. I'm still a beginner, with my 17 batch in the secondary. The William's Koelsch was the is my favorite so far. I saved back a couple, and just opened them after 8 months in the bottle - they were still great. I wish I had a few more. I'm having fun doing "mad scientist brewing" but I'll eventually try this kit again.
Cons: Nil!