Surprise! Today’s advent calendar slot holds a treasure: a West Sixth branded Kölsch glass! This special piece of tall and narrow glassware - called a stange - was created specifically for the Kolsch beer style. I don’t know about y’all, but I love some specialty glassware, so I’m SUPER PUMPED about today.
Aaaand what’s this “Kölsch” you say?
SO GLAD YOU ASKED - because guess what, you lucky little ADVENTurer just stumbled into this year’s HISTORY LESSON! If you were here last year, you might remember my Mexican Mocha lecture. This one is slightly shorter and more beer-focused - you’re welcome!
First and foremost, what is Kölsch? Kölsch is a beer style born in Cologne, Germany. It’s is crisp like a lager but with a hint of fruity ale - if you’ve had our traditional-style Kölsch at Oktoberfest, or ever cracked open a Strawberry Kölsch, then you know what I mean. It’s light gold, slightly sweet, and endlessly refreshing.
Originally brewed in the early 20th century, Kölsch was Cologne’s answer to the rise of Pilsner-style lagers. Its unique characteristics and brewing tradition earned it EU-protected status in 1997, meaning only breweries near Cologne can officially call their beer Kölsch. It could sound a little pretentious, but it’s not unlike “Derby Pie” or Kentucky Bourbon, ya know? Like our friends in Cologne, we Kentuckians are no stranger to claiming food & drink names for our region.
Now, here’s a little history on what’s actually in today’s Advent slot -a stange! Kölsch is served in a slender glass called a stange, which holds about six ounces. This design keeps the beer fresh while showing off its clarity and golden hue. In Cologne, beer service is practically a sport. A blue-aproned server called a köbes roams the room with a circular tray (kranz) filled with 12 stangen. They replace empty glasses with full ones before you’ve even noticed you’re ready for another. If you’re done, you better place your coaster on top of your glass—otherwise, the beer will keep flowing! Now that’s what I call a GOOD DAY.
Whether you’re sipping on a West Sixth Strawberry Kölsch or experimenting with one of our other brews, this glass brings a touch of authenticity to your beer drinking experience.
Per usual, my ramblings have rambled on - I’ll let you enjoy your new glass now! CHEERS!
See ya tomorrow for day 10!!
