5B
Kölsch
Pale Bitter European BeerABV4.4–5.2%
IBU18–30
SRM3.5–5
5A
German Leichtbier
A pale, highly-attenuated, light-bodied German lager with lower alcohol and calories than standard-strength beers. Moderately bitter with noticeable malt and hop flavors, the beer is still interesting to drink.
1.5–4 SRMParameter ranges
Alcohol · ABV
2.4–3.6%Bitterness · IBU
15–28Color · SRM
1.5–4Original gravity · OG
1.026–1.034Final gravity · FG
1.006–1.010Ranges describe a style, not an individual beer. Color is an approximation. Light and glassware change its appearance.
Appearance
Pale straw to deep yellow in color. Brilliant clarity. Moderate white head with average to below average persistence.
Aroma
Low to medium hop aroma, with a spicy, herbal, or floral character. Low to medium-low grainy-sweet or slightly crackery malt aroma. Clean fermentation profile.
Flavor
Low to medium grainy-sweet malt flavor initially. Medium hop bitterness. Low to medium hop flavor, with a spicy, herbal, or floral quality. Clean fermentation character, well-lagered. Dry finish with a light malty and hoppy aftertaste.
Mouthfeel
Light to very light body. Medium to high carbonation. Smooth, well-attenuated.
History
Traditional versions existed as drinks for physical laborers in factories or fields, but modern versions are more based on popular American products in the same class and targeted towards health or fitness conscious consumers. Increasingly supplanted in the current market by non-alcoholic beers and radlers.
Characteristic ingredients
Continental Pils malt. German lager yeast. Traditional German hops.
Style comparison
Like a lower-alcohol, lighter-bodied, slightly less aggressive German Pils or Munich Helles. More bitter and flavorful than an American Light Lager.
In the same category
5C
German Helles Exportbier
Pale Bitter European BeerABV5–6%
IBU20–30
SRM4–6
5D
German Pils
Pale Bitter European BeerABV4.4–5.2%
IBU22–40
SRM2–4
Notes
Marketed primarily as a diet-oriented beer with lower carbohydrates, alcohol, and calories. Pronounced “LYESHT-beer.” May also be known as a Diat Pils or Helles, this style is in the schankbier gravity class. Other variations of Leicht class beers can be made from Weissbier, Kölsch, and Altbier; these are covered under Mixed-Style Beer.