Brewery tour versus beer tasting in Cologne - what are the differences?

Cologne is not only known for its carnival and cathedral, but also for its beer: more specifically, the Kölsch beer. It can only be produced there or in the immediate vicinity. There are various microbreweries in the North Rhine-Westphalian city that produce the pale, top-fermented and hoppy full-bodied beer. The following article reveals which beer and brewery events there are and what they involve.

A visit to a brewery is something very special, and not just for tourists. All those who love hearty, home-style food are in the right place here. Many people associate Berlin with the currywurst. In Cologne, it's dishes like Halve Hahn or Rheinische Sauerbraten. But beware: is there really a tasty chicken behind this dish? A visit to a brewery is a good idea for anyone who would like to taste Cologne beer and the typical food. Alternatively, you can take part in a brewery tour or a beer tasting.

On a brewery tour through Cologne's breweries you will learn more about Rhenish culture and the local cuisine. The tour is available in three different versions: a public and a private event as well as the special for stag and hen parties. Always at your side, a local guide with exciting anecdotes about the history of beer. The Beer tasting with beer tasting in Cologne is another option for those interested in beer. This allows participants to learn about the beer culture of Cologne. The beer tasting also takes place in selected breweries and is suitable for company events, men's parties or stag parties, among others. Among other things, participants learn about different (craft) beers and experience their diverse flavors.

The two options for learning about Cologne's beer culture differ in the way they are implemented. On the tour, participants visit three different breweries and drink a Kölsch beer in each. The brewery tour also takes you through the old town. An experienced guide accompanies the groups. The tour through the breweries lasts around three hours. With the stag variant, it is possible to order a meal as an option. Participants also learn about the art of brewing during the beer tasting. Four to five beers are available for tasting. The event lasts two hours. Participants receive water and snacks to accompany the strong beers. The tasting takes place in selected (micro) breweries in Cologne.

Whether someone is more likely to take part in a brewery tour or beer tasting depends on various factors. The tour through the breweries is ideal for Kölsch lovers. This is because Cologne beer is the focus of the event. At the beer tasting, participants can enjoy other types of beer. The size of the group is also an important factor. A private brewery tour is only possible for groups of ten or more participants. The public tour is available to all others. For the beer tasting, the organizer recommends a group size of at least five people. Appointments for both events can be requested online. If the decision is not easy for you, you can try out both offers during your visit to Cologne.