The fastest connection to Cologne is dialing the area code 0221, but instead of picking up the phone, you can now simply reach for the bottle. Because the basis of 0221 is the local beer of Cologne, Kölsch. This is first aged for several months in oak barrels. During this period, the Kölsch beer absorbs the woody notes of the barrel and is refined in taste. For the final liqueur, the beer is distilled into a beer spirit and then refined into a liqueur. An additional splash of lemon turns 0221 into the "Radler Edition" (Radler is the common name in Germany for beer mixed with lemonade).
0221 Beer Liqueur: The Cologne version of Limoncello
In the vernacular, Cologne is also affectionately known as the northernmost city in Italy. What is La Dolce Vita and Limoncello there, becomes La Kölsche Vita and 0221 in Cologne. 0221 is sweet in taste, with a refreshing-sour lemon kick in the finish. This means, not only sweet but also lemony-sour, that's how 0221 tastes.
If you like it, you can also use 0221 as an ingredient for a "Limoncello Spritz Sour". Here is the recipe for the refreshing lemony drink:
- 2 oz 0221 Liqueur
- 5 oz sparkling wine
- A shot of tonic water
- Serve with ice, lemon wedge and a peppermint sprig
0221: Spirit of Cologne
One of the most famous buildings in Cologne is its cathedral. Therefore, how could it be otherwise, the Cologne Cathedral is also depicted on the 0221 bottle. It can be found as a laser engraving on the wooden handle cork. One small detail stands out. The cathedral has not only two, but three towers. This third tower is sometimes overlooked. This is because it is located on the rear nave, the so-called crossing, where the nave and transept meet. On the top of the crossing tower there is not a cross, as is usually the case with churches, but a gilded star. This star is reminiscent of the Star of Bethlehem, which the Magi followed. High above the roofs of the city, this star shows pilgrims the way to their bones in the shrine of the Three Kings, which is in Cologne.
