The Man from Mosel River

Cheers – ‘Es ist nie zu frueh’, is the slogan of the Frueh Brewery in Cologne

Our family holidays in Germany are what a Thai colleague of mine called “edu-tainment”, we combine fun with some educative elements.

Since my twin daughters are very interested in history and culture, it was inevitable that we should end up visiting Koeln/Cologne just about 200 km north of my home town Trier.

After our walk through the historic city centre, we needed nurishment. A good place to experience the local food and the local culture is the outlet of the Frueh Brewery right in the centre of town.

‘It’s never to early’ for a beer by Frueh

‘Koelsch’, as the beer is called, is a speciality of Cologne. There is even a ‘Koelsch Convention’ specifying how this beer has to be brewed and what quality criteria it must fulfill.

So what is ‘Koelsch’ you might ask?

‘Koelsch’ is a pale and hoppy top-fermenting beer. The beer is warm-fermented and cold-conditioned. It is rather light, less bitter than most other German beers and therefore very refreshing ; in summer as well as in winter, I might point out. During my university time in the neighbouring city of Bonn, I had ample time to sample various brands of ‘Koelsch’.

The beer is served by a so called ‘Koebes’, the local name for an excusively male waiter. They are easily recognized by their dark blue aprons. Be prepared for a culture-clash of some sort. But do not worry, in the end they are very friendly and very proud of their heritage.

Herring with potatoes

German cullinary delights are many. I opted for a fish dish, a marinated herring with potatoes. I tell you it was super delicious.

In case you visit Cologne and you want to experience something authentic, go and check out the Frueh Brewery.

Address:
Cölner Hofbräu P. Josef Früh KG
Gastronomie und Verwaltung
Am Hof 12-18
50667 Köln
Tel.: +49-221 / 2613 – 0