Beer

Gunther Pohlenz opened a beer store 10 year ago. By 1982, his store was listed in the Guiness Book of World Records for carrying the greatest number of different labels: 2,500. Among the 2,500 different beers, however, Pohlenz doesn't include "kolsh," the local Cologne beer.

"Where on the label does it say "kölsh" is a beer?" demands the 50-year-old Pohlenz, exemplifying a common local belief that "kölsh" is so good that it is beyond being classified a beer.

Pohlenz, who is from a nearby village, has never had a "kölsh." A medical condition prevents him from drinking beer. But that doesn't stop him from advising his customers.

"I know what doesn't sell. What doesn't sell, can't be good."

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