England supporters in Cologne were in high spirits as their team advanced to the knockout stages of Euro 2024—but the celebration came with a curious cultural twist. Instead of the hearty steins many expected to raise in triumph, fans were met with slender 200ml Kölsch beer glasses that drew more bemusement than cheers.

Kölsch is the traditional beer style of Cologne, served in tall, narrow glasses that some described as resembling Champagne flutes. While perfectly normal to locals, the petite size left thirsty football fans puzzled. Used to images of litre-sized mugs at Munich’s Oktoberfest, many were surprised to learn that beer culture in Germany varies significantly by region.

A cultural clash in glassware

The Kölsch glass, known locally as a Stange, holds just 200 millilitres—about a third of a pint in Imperial measurements. This portion size is more familiar to craft beer drinkers accustomed to smaller servings of strong IPAs or stouts, but for fans craving something more substantial, it meant frequent trips to the bar.

According to reports from the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail, many fans complained that the slender glasses didn’t match the celebratory mood—or their drinking expectations. One supporter joked that it took so many rounds just to keep up with the pace of the game.

The confusion highlights how deeply regional beer customs are embedded in Germany. While Bavaria might bring to mind oversized steins and beer halls, Cologne’s beer identity is rooted in refinement and tradition—with smaller servings designed for freshness and flavour rather than volume.

Understanding Kölsch and its heritage

Kölsch isn’t just any local beer—it holds a protected geographical indication within the European Union. Since 1997, only beers brewed within a 31-mile radius of Cologne and following strict production rules can legally be called Kölsch. This includes adherence to the Kölsch Konvention, a brewing agreement established by members of the Cologne Brewery Association (Kölner Brauerei-Verband).

The beer is brewed using top-fermenting yeast but is then cold-conditioned, similar to how lagers are made. This gives Kölsch a bright, crisp flavour and a dry finish, perfect for casual drinking—albeit in small, frequent doses.

The style is classified as a Vollbier, a full-strength beer typically brewed with an original gravity of around 11–12%. Pale yellow in colour, Kölsch is a delicate and clean-drinking beer meant to be enjoyed at a steady pace, not downed by the pint.

Brewing by the book: German beer traditions

Like many traditional German beer styles, Kölsch is brewed in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot, or German Beer Purity Law. This regulation limits ingredients to just water, barley, and hops—yeast was later understood and accepted, though not originally listed in the 1516 law.

The process shares similarities with Düsseldorf’s altbier, another regional style that combines warm fermentation with cold conditioning. These historical techniques underscore the pride and precision that define Germany’s brewing culture.

For England fans, the encounter with Cologne’s signature serve may have sparked confusion—but it also offered a crash course in the rich diversity of Germany’s beer landscape. And whether served in a tiny flute or a towering mug, a cold beer still tastes just as sweet when your team is through to the next round.