A gold, smooth, malty, and soft lager developed in 1894, and mostly credited to Spaten, as an alternative to pilsners. It is more popular in Bavaria and the standard of local beer gardens. Compared to German Pils, Helles is more malt forward, softer, and less bitter and crisp.
- ABV 4.7-5.4%
- IBU 16-22
- SRM 3-5
- Glassware Seidel
- Serving Temp 3-7°C
This beer pours pale yellow to gold, quite clear, and with a white head that lasts. A grainy sweet malt aroma should hit the nose first, followed by low floral or herbal hops. Fermentation aromas are clean, although a slight whiff of sulfur can be present. Helles is medium bodied, medium carbonation and smooth lager. On the first sip comes malt, almost sweet, a bit grainy, overtop a supporting bitterness that lingers in the low end. Hop flavour remains low and with the same qualities as the aroma, but expect malt to dominate from the very start and into the soft dry finish.