A Kölsch collabo with a historic German Catholic society.

Craft brewery, Christian Moerlein, announced a new partnership that celebrates Cincinnati’s grand history and traditions. Teaming up with the Kolping Society, Moerlein’s brew will honor the 150th anniversary of Schützenfest in Cincinnati. The new Schützenfest Kölsch is a unique summer ale that has a crisp, approachable flavor.

The first chance to try the new ale will be at special launch event at the Kolping Society during American Craft Beer Week on May 18 at 6 p.m. The event will feature a special blessing and keg tapping, as well as performances from the Enzian German dancers and Kolping’s Sängerchor.

“It’s a great honor to be part of such a traditional Germanic festival — especially one that has been here for 150 years. We want this to be an approachable beer for everybody, and for it to be something more unique than your traditional German lager,” said Eric Baumann, Vice President of Brewing for Christian Moerlein Brewing Company. “Kölsch is one of the oldest, most traditional German ales. You’re going to get a really nice, lager-like ale. We’re going to use a traditional German Kölsch yeast – so we’re actually bringing in a new yeast strain for the beer. This beer is all about letting the yeast and malt shine through so you get a crisp, clean-drinking German ale.”

Patrons will also be able to buy Schützenfest Kölsch to-go in 12 oz. six-packs at the Kolping Society.