While in Germany last year (Sporkful eps, blog posts and more about Germany collected here), I lived in the region where the beer style called Koelsch dominates. We do get Koelsch in the States (it's one of the styles I wrote up in Slate), but generally only from a few producers. There are dozens more in Cologne and I had some really fantastic beers that I just can't find here.

That's why I'm grateful to my friend Lars, who brought several bottles of Muehlen Koelsch with him on a visit to New York. It's one of my favorites from my time in Germany and these are in all likelihood the only bottles of this beer in America right now. They'll be treasured and greatly enjoyed. Thanks, Lars, and prost!

(Lars, by the way, was one of my roommates while I was in Germany. I recommend trying the German-American cocktail I whipped up for the going away party. /mark)