Cologne, Germany
The Kölsch Convention restricts the name to Cologne
Cologne brewers agreed to restrict the name Kölsch to beer brewed in and around the city, later supported by protected geographical status.
1986
Why it matters
One of several beer names that are not generic, and a reminder that style names can carry legal weight.
How well this is established
| Certainty | Documented. Supported by contemporary records that survive and are agreed on. |
|---|---|
| When | 1986. Known to the year rather than to the day. |
| Where | Cologne, Germany |
Styles this shaped
Traditions
- German regional speciality brewing — The city-level German traditions — Kölsch, Altbier, Rauchbier, Berliner Weisse — that survived the national spread of pale lager.
Either side of this
← 1980: Southern Hemisphere hop breeding produces a distinct character · 1987: The European Court rules on the German purity requirements →
See the whole sequence on the beer history timeline.
Last reviewed 2026-08-16.