Schlafly Kolsch 6Pk

Schlafly Kolsch 6Pk is a German-style Kölsch (4.8% ABV, six-pack of 12 oz bottles) brewed in St. Louis, Missouri, using an authentic yeast strain from Köln, Germany. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup in the German-style Kölsch category, validating its commitment to traditional brewing methods rooted in the style's city of origin.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.8%  |  Origin: St. Louis, Missouri, United States  |  Style: German-style Kölsch  |  Brewery: Schlafly (The Saint Louis Brewery)

Production & Heritage

Schlafly holds the distinction of being St. Louis' original craft brewery and remains independently and locally owned. The Kölsch uses a grain bill of Pale, Wheat, Munich, and Carapils malts, fermented at 62°F before undergoing cold conditioning — a hybrid process that yields ale-like aromatics with lager-like crispness, true to traditional Kölsch protocol. What makes this version especially notable is the yeast strain sourced directly from Gaffel Brewery in Köln, Germany, where the Kölsch style originated. That connection was established through Ulrike, a native of Köln and wife of brewery co-founder Tom Schlafly, giving this beer a direct lineage to the style's homeland.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Lightly floral with hints of pastry dough and distant sweet fruit. A soft, bready malt backbone carries through without any aggressive hop presence.

Taste: The entry is slightly sweet with pale malt character, transitioning into grassy, gently earthy hops at mid-palate. Subtle notes of white grape and toasted grain emerge, along with a touch of caramel-like warmth. The body sits on the lighter side but carries slightly more weight than many Kölsch examples, giving it a rounded malt presence.

Finish: Crisp, clean, and moderately dry with a fast exit. A smooth malt roundness lingers briefly, balancing the dryness and leaving a refreshing close.

How to Drink Schlafly Kölsch

Serve cold in a traditional Stange glass (a narrow, cylindrical 200ml vessel) to concentrate its delicate aromatics — this is how Kölsch is served in Köln. Straight from the fridge works well for casual settings. In cocktails, try a Kölsch Shandy with fresh lemonade, where the beer's subtle malt sweetness complements citrus without competing. A Radler with grapefruit juice plays off the floral hops beautifully. A Beer-mosa using Schlafly Kölsch in place of sparkling wine brings a lighter, more nuanced brunch drink than typical beer-citrus combinations.

Best For

• Introducing craft beer to someone who prefers clean, light lagers
• Backyard cookouts and warm-weather afternoon drinking sessions
• Pairing with lighter fare like grilled chicken or summer salads
• Exploring authentic German beer styles brewed with genuine Köln heritage

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Schlafly Kölsch taste like? Schlafly Kölsch delivers a slightly sweet, subtly malty profile with grassy, floral hops and a clean, moderately dry finish. It bridges the gap between an ale's aromatic complexity and a lager's crispness.

How does Schlafly Kölsch compare to Metropolitan Krankshaft Kölsch? Both are respected Midwest-brewed Kölsch-style ales, though Metropolitan Krankshaft has won direct comparison tastings and is often described as crisper and more restrained. Schlafly Kölsch carries slightly more body and malt sweetness, and its use of authentic Gaffel yeast gives it a distinct connection to Köln tradition.

Is Schlafly Kölsch good for beginners? Absolutely — its light body, low bitterness, and clean finish make it one of the most approachable craft beer styles available. Anyone who enjoys a standard lager will find this an easy and rewarding step into more flavorful territory.

Where is Schlafly Kölsch made? Schlafly Kölsch is brewed by The Saint Louis Brewery, known as Schlafly, in St. Louis, Missouri. The brewery is independently and locally owned and has operated as St. Louis' original craft brewery.

What foods pair well with Schlafly Kölsch? Grilled white fish works well, as the beer's light body won't overpower delicate seafood. Goat cheese salads complement its subtle sweetness. Bratwurst or weisswurst mirror its German roots. Light pasta dishes with olive oil and herbs match its floral hop character. Soft pretzels with mustard are a classic Kölsch pairing that highlights the malt.

What sizes does Schlafly Kölsch come in? Schlafly Kölsch is commonly available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, and may also be found in draft and other seasonal packaging formats depending on market availability.

Is Schlafly Kölsch worth the price? Schlafly Kölsch positions as a craft six-pack at a standard craft beer price point, and the authentic Gaffel yeast strain, World Beer Cup Gold Medal, and independent brewery pedigree deliver strong value relative to other imported or domestic Kölsch-style options.

Why Schlafly Kölsch?

The defining differentiator here is authenticity — few American-brewed Kölsch-style ales can claim a direct yeast lineage to a historic Köln brewery. That Gaffel yeast strain, combined with the hybrid fermentation and cold-conditioning process, produces a beer that genuinely reflects the style's German origins rather than loosely interpreting them. The 2010 World Beer Cup Gold Medal in the German-style Kölsch category confirmed what the brewing process suggests: this is one of the most traditionally faithful American Kölsch expressions available. For drinkers seeking a sessionable, 4.8% ABV beer with real provenance and clean execution, Schlafly Kölsch stands apart from the many loosely styled "Kölsch-inspired" ales on the market.