From the Cologne World / Travel essentials

How to drink Kölsch in Cologne

In a traditional Cologne brewhouse, Kölsch arrives in a slim, small glass and may be replaced as soon as it is empty. Your coaster records the rounds and signals when to stop.

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Why go

The serving ritual is part of the brewhouse experience, especially in the Altstadt near the cathedral. Knowing what the Köbes, the traditional server, does with your glass and coaster lets you settle in without having to interrupt each round or puzzle over the bill.

Useful to know

Keep your coaster: the Köbes marks it for each glass served, and those marks are used for the bill.
Put the coaster on top of your glass when you do not want another Kölsch.

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Original World content and translations, shown as supplied. Practical information may need updating.

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