Helles Beer

Helles Beer and Hops Suitable for Sipping in Lederhosen

Reading Time: around 19 min

Helles beer, born in the heart of Bavaria, is your ticket to a golden, malt-forward paradise that doesn’t skimp on refreshment. Picture yourself in a Munich biergarten, a foamy pint in hand, and let me tell you, it’s as close to lager nirvana as you’re ever going to get. 

This traditional German lager is patience in a bottle.

Persuading palates with its subtle charm rather than a hoppy haymaker.

When it comes to hops, think elegance, not brute force. Those gentle sips are courtesy of noble varieties like Hallertauer Mittelfrüh, Tettnang, Spalt, and Saaz. A dash here and a sprinkle there is all you need. 

After all, in the high-stakes game of brewing Helles, it’s all about hitting that balance sweet spot. Just enough bitterness to keep things interesting, but not so much that you’d think you licked a pine cone.

Key Takeaways

  • Helles beer is a malt-forward, golden lager from Bavaria with sublime balance.
  • The best hop varieties for Helles are the classic German and Czech noble hops.
  • Achieving the perfect Helles is an exercise in restraint and precision with hops.

 

Unraveling the Helles Mystique

Dive into the world of Helles beer with me. And let’s uncover what makes this pale lager a sip of sheer brilliance. You’re in for a ride that’s as smooth as the beer itself.

Key Characteristics of Helles

Imagine a beer that whispers sweet nothings about malt with each swig. That’s your Helles. The color? A bright straw to golden hue that looks like summer in a glass. 

When you take a sip, the maltiness embraces your taste buds with a smooth, almost seductive quality. Malt character is king here, but it doesn’t get all the limelight.

Let’s talk body: think of it as the middleweight champ of lagers.

Not too heavy, not too light. 

A Helles beer is like that friend who’s always balanced. Never toppling over after a long night out. It’s got finesse, it’s got class, and it’s got just enough complexity to make you look twice.

Main Characteristics

  • Hoppy aromas: Spicy, herbal, floral from noble hops
  • Malty aromas: Bready from lightly toasted barley
  • IBU bitterness: 16 to 25
  • Alcohol level: 4.5% to 5.6% ABV
  • SRM color range: 3 to 6
Helles Beer - graphic summary

Best Hop Varieties for Helles

Now, you don’t want to overpower that delicate malt character, right? So we go noble. German noble hops, to be exact. Hallertauer, Tettnang, Spalt, and Czech Saaz. These are the cream of the crop.

Offering a balanced bitterness and sometimes…

…a whisper of floral or herbal aroma without stealing the show.

Helles Beer Versus Other Lagers

If Helles were at a lager family reunion, it would be the sophisticated cousin who’s got its life together. Pale lager on your left, darker lagers on your right. And there’s good ol’ Helles, never sweating, just being effortlessly balanced and complex.

It’s the zen master of lagers.

Where others can be a jungle gym of flavors…

…Helles is the serene garden where maltiness and aroma live in peace.

And remember, while you might age that strong ale in your cellar like a fine wine, drink your Helles fresh. Like the witty quip that never gets old. Keep it cool, keep it fresh, and you’ve got a taste you’ll come back to, time and again.

Admiring the Looks: Appearance

Imagine you’re holding a Helles beer, what’s striking first? Its gleaming golden hue. It’s like liquid sunshine in a glass. Think about those old cartoons where gold would glisten with little twinkling stars.

But, my friend, the color isn’t just “gold”. 

Oh no, it’s a nuanced palette ranging from a straw-yellow to a deep golden blonde. It’s the kind of color that makes you nostalgic for a summer’s day. Even if you’re sipping it in a dimly lit bar. From 3 to 6 in SRM terms.

Moving on to clarity, the Helles is the equivalent of that friend who always has the latest phone with the crispest display. It’s clear – crystal clear. You could read a book through it, or at least spot the coaster under your pint.

And the head? 

Let’s just say the frothy white top on this brew sticks around longer than guests after a party. It’s thick, it’s creamy, and it clings to the glass in a way that could inspire poetry.

So, when you gaze at your Helles, remember. It’s more than just a pretty face. It’s a meticulously crafted spectacle with a flavor that backs up that stunning appearance.

Sniff, Sip, Savor: Aroma and Taste

When you’re about to indulge in a Helles, your nostrils and taste buds are in for a treat. 

Trust me, it’s like they’ve won a sensory lottery.

Hops Aroma: From Floral to Spicy

First, inhale that brew. You’re not just sniffing a beer; you’re embarking on a fragrance odyssey. Helles typically serves up a subtle yet seductive hop aroma. Your nose might pick up floral hints, akin to a Bavarian meadow in spring. 

Or perhaps it’s more of a spicy whisper, reminiscent of a mystery herb garden. Your garden, that rumored spot where you actually remember to water the plants.

The hops varieties that bring about these scents? 

Think Hallertauer, Tettnang, Spalt, and Saaz. These are the German and Czech nobles – the hop-aristocracy – that traditionally grace every decent Helles with their presence.

Taste Test: Identifying Helles Flavors

Now, let’s talk taste. Ready your palate for that first sip, and… pow! It’s a gentle malt caress followed by a subtle hop bitterness, hovering between a love nibble and a friendly handshake. The bitterness doesn’t linger too long.

Just enough to remind you it’s there.

Like a considerate friend who knows not to overstay their welcome.

The flavors – oh, they’re dialed in at low to low-medium. You’ve got malt sweetness flirting with you. And bitterness batting its eyelashes from a respectable distance. Together, they dance a delicate tango on your tongue.

Remember, Helles is all about balance, so don’t expect ferocious hop bites. Those gentle sips should transport you straight to a sun-drenched Munich biergarten. And if someone ever tries to serve you an aged Helles…

…kindly suggest they freshen up on their beer etiquette.

Helles is best savored fresh!

The Building Blocks: Ingredients

Let’s dive into the core of Helles beer. Think of it as a toolkit for crafting liquid gold. You’re about to become the maestro of malts, a hop whisperer, a yeast wrangler, and a water wizard.

Malt Symphony: From Pilsner to Munich

Your grain bill is the backbone of your brew, and with Helles, it’s all about the malt. Picture this: German Pilsner malt dances center stage with its crisp, clean sweetness. But the show doesn’t stop there. 

Add a dash of Munich malt for a toasty note.

And maybe a smidgen of Vienna malt for complexity. 

These malts are like the Three Musketeers of your recipe. 

They’re all for one and one for all in creating that signature malt-forward profile.

Malt Name

Min of Lb per gallon

Max of Lb per gallon

Min of Lb per batch [5gal]

Max of Lb per batch [5gal]

Average of Lb per gallon

Pilsner Malt

0.09

6

0.43

30

1.5

Munich Malt

0.02

4.01

0.09

20.06

0.29

Vienna Malt

2.09

0.02

10.43

0.3

Carapils

0.01

0.83

0.06

4.17

0.12

Melanoidin Malt

0.01

0.21

0.04

1.04

0.05

Acidulated Malt

0.01

0.52

0.04

2.61

0.06

Cara Malt

0.83

0.01

4.17

0.12

Malt Extract

0.01

1.83

0.05

9.15

0.68

2-Row Pale Malt

0.09

4.73

0.45

23.65

1.23

Malt Name

Min of Kg per liter

Max of Kg per liter

Min of Kg per batch [20ltr]

Max of Kg per batch [20ltr]

Average of Kg per liter

Pilsner Malt

0.01

0.72

0.21

14.38

0.18

Munich Malt

0.48

0.05

9.62

0.03

Vienna Malt

0.25

0.01

5

0.04

Carapils

0.1

0.03

2

0.01

Melanoidin Malt

0.03

0.02

0.5

0.01

Acidulated Malt

0.06

0.02

1.25

0.01

Cara Malt

0.1

0.01

2

0.01

Malt Extract

0.22

0.02

4.39

0.08

2-Row Pale Malt

0.01

0.57

0.22

11.33

0.15

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

Hopping Through Varieties

When you think hops in a Helles, think “subtlety is the new black.” You want a hop that’s cool, collected, and doesn’t try to steal the spotlight from the malts. Your go-to are the noble hops like Hallertau, Tettnang, Spalt, and Saaz. 

These are the strong, silent types that lend just the right balance of bitterness. Want to jazz it up? A pinch of American hops could do the trick, but shhh… let’s not give away all our secrets.

Yeast: Lager’s Unsung Hero

Underestimate your yeast…

…and you might as well say goodbye to that crisp lager character. 

You need a lager yeast that ferments at cooler temperatures with grace. It’s the unsung hero that works quietly in the background. Cleaning up after itself so you won’t get any of those pesky off-flavors. It’s the best kind of roommate.

The Water Element

Last but not least, water. Helles isn’t thirsty for just any water. It prefers something soft, as if it’s lounging on a cloud. If your water’s as hard as a rock band, consider treating it to mellow it out. A little acid adjustment may be just what the beer doctor ordered. 

Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Remember, you’re not just brewing a beer. You’re orchestrating a symphony, nurturing a garden of ingredients where each adds its magic touch to your future favorite pint. Now go forth and brew with conviction!

Mastering the Craft: Brewing Process

Brewing Helles is an art form. A dance with malt, hops, and yeast where the music is slow, precise, and totally worth the wait. Let’s break down the moves, shall we?

Decoction Mashing: A Traditional Twist

First up, you’re going to get traditional with a decoction mash.

It’s like giving your mash a spa day. Except with more boiling. Start with an infusion mash. Thick and cozy at a ratio of about 1.0 qts/lb. Then, boil a portion of the mash separately, elevate its sophistication (also known as temperature), and plop it back in. 

Why bother? This little shuffle boosts your mash’s enzymatic mojo.

And you’ll thank yourself when your Helles waltzes out with a richer malt character.

Boiling and Hops Schedule

Boil time is not chill time. You’ve got exactly 90 minutes on the clock. So no pressure, right? 

Aim for a low IBU to keep things smooth.

Helles is smoother than a silk lederhosen and as crisp as a fresh pretzel.

So grab some noble hops. We’re talking the crème de la crème of German hops here. Think Hallertauer MittelfrĂĽh, Tettnang, or Spalt. These hops are like the quiet heroes of the beer world. 

They don’t make a fuss, but they sure make a difference.

Now, let’s get down to business. You’ve got your brew pot bubbling away like a witch’s cauldron. And it’s time to add the magic. Toss in 1 ounce of your chosen noble hop at the start of the boil. 

This isn’t a hop bomb; it’s a subtle nod to bitterness.

As gentle as a fairy’s handshake.

But wait! Don’t you dare walk away from that cauldron just yet. With about 10 minutes left in the boil, it’s time for the grand hop encore. Sprinkle in another half-ounce of your noble hops to whisper those final sweet nothings into your brew. 

This is all about the aroma, baby. A scent so divine, it’ll have the neighbors knocking on your door wondering what heavenly bakery you’ve opened.

Remember, we’re aiming for balance, elegance, and drinkability.

The kind of beer that makes you say “Ahh!” after each sip. So go on, get your brew on, and let’s make a Helles that’ll be the talk of the town. Prost to your liquid sunshine!

Hops Name

Brewing Stage

Min of Oz per gallon

Max of Oz per gallon

Min of Oz per batch [5gal]

Max of Oz per batch [5gal]

Average of Oz per gallon

Hallertau Mittelfruh

Aroma

0.02

0.53

0.12

2.67

0.15

 

Bittering

0.02

0.51

0.12

2.54

0.2

 

Dry Hop

0.05

0.18

0.27

0.91

0.12

 

First Wort

0.06

0.35

0.32

1.75

0.17

 

Flavor

0.02

0.53

0.12

2.67

0.12

 

Whirlpool

0.04

0.35

0.22

1.74

0.15

Hallertau Mittelfruh Total

0.02

0.53

0.12

2.67

0.16

Tettnanger

Aroma

0.02

0.4

0.1

2

0.15

 

Bittering

0.02

0.4

0.12

2

0.17

 

First Wort

0.05

0.25

0.23

1.25

0.16

 

Flavor

0.03

0.36

0.15

1.82

0.12

 

Hop Stand

0.04

0.09

0.2

0.45

0.07

 

Whirlpool

0.04

0.35

0.21

1.73

0.18

Tettnanger Total

 

0.02

0.4

0.1

2

0.15

Hersbrucker

Aroma

0.04

0.57

0.18

2.84

0.15

 

Bittering

0.01

0.64

0.06

3.18

0.21

 

Dry Hop

0.1

0.4

0.49

2

0.24

 

First Wort

0.09

0.26

0.45

1.28

0.17

 

Flavor

0.03

0.52

0.15

2.6

0.14

 

Whirlpool

0.08

0.29

0.42

1.47

0.15

Hersbrucker Total

 

0.01

0.64

0.06

3.18

0.18

Saaz

Aroma

0.03

0.33

0.17

1.67

0.16

 

Bittering

0.03

0.69

0.13

3.47

0.2

 

Dry Hop

0.07

0.32

0.35

1.6

0.16

 

First Wort

0.1

0.33

0.5

1.67

0.2

 

Flavor

0.03

0.4

0.17

2

0.14

 

Whirlpool

0.04

0.2

0.2

1

0.13

Saaz Total

 

0.03

0.69

0.13

3.47

0.17

Magnum

Aroma

0.01

0.43

0.05

2.17

0.11

 

Bittering

0.02

0.23

0.1

1.17

0.08

 

First Wort

0.04

0.14

0.2

0.71

0.08

 

Flavor

0.04

0.33

0.21

1.67

0.14

 

Whirlpool

0.09

0.12

0.45

0.61

0.11

Magnum Total

 

0.01

0.43

0.05

2.17

0.08

Hops Name

Brewing Stage

Min of Grams per liter

Max of Grams per liter

Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]

Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]

Average of Grams per liter

Hallertau Mittelfruh

Aroma

0.18

4

3.57

80

1.1

 

Bittering

0.19

3.81

3.72

76.19

1.53

 

Dry Hop

0.4

1.36

8

27.23

0.94

 

First Wort

0.48

2.62

9.6

52.42

1.29

 

Flavor

0.19

4

3.72

80

0.93

 

Whirlpool

0.33

2.61

6.51

52.17

1.14

Hallertau Mittelfruh Total

0.18

4

3.57

80

1.23

Tettnanger

Aroma

0.15

3

3

59.91

1.1

 

Bittering

0.18

3

3.66

60

1.31

 

First Wort

0.34

1.88

6.81

37.5

1.16

 

Flavor

0.23

2.72

4.55

54.47

0.89

 

Hop Stand

0.3

0.68

6

13.62

0.49

 

Whirlpool

0.31

2.6

6.24

51.95

1.34

Tettnanger Total

 

0.15

3

3

60

1.12

Hersbrucker

Aroma

0.26

4.25

5.26

85

1.14

 

Bittering

0.09

4.77

1.74

95.32

1.61

 

Dry Hop

0.73

3

14.55

60

1.78

 

First Wort

0.68

1.92

13.62

38.41

1.25

 

Flavor

0.22

3.89

4.35

77.89

1.06

 

Whirlpool

0.62

2.2

12.48

44.05

1.13

Hersbrucker Total

 

0.09

4.77

1.74

95.32

1.33

Saaz

Aroma

0.25

2.5

5

50

1.19

 

Bittering

0.2

5.2

4

104.02

1.5

 

Dry Hop

0.52

2.4

10.42

48

1.22

 

First Wort

0.75

2.5

15.1

49.93

1.52

 

Flavor

0.25

3

5

59.91

1.06

 

Whirlpool

0.3

1.5

6

29.96

0.99

Saaz Total

 

0.2

5.2

4

104.02

1.26

Magnum

Aroma

0.08

3.25

1.54

65

0.8

 

Bittering

0.15

1.75

3

35

0.57

 

First Wort

0.3

1.07

6

21.4

0.6

 

Flavor

0.31

2.5

6.15

49.93

1.03

 

Whirlpool

0.68

0.91

13.62

18.18

0.8

Magnum Total

 

0.08

3.25

1.54

65

0.61

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

The Fermentation Fiesta

Here’s where the yeast takes the stage. 

Aim for an original gravity that doesn’t say you’re overcompensating. Around 1.044–1.050 should do it. For final gravity you should be somewhere around 1.006 and 1.012.

Also, keep the fermentation temperature cooler than your ex’s heart, roughly 48–52°F (9–11°C). Nudge it up for a diacetyl rest when the party’s dying down. 

It’s like a detox for your beer, cleansing it from buttery off-flavors.

ABV in Helles is usually between 4.5% to 5.5% – perfection yet again.

Recommended yeasts:

  • German Lager
  • Bavarian Lager
  • Munich Lager
  • Bohemian Lager
  • Munich Helles

 

Lagering: Patience is a Virtue

Now comes the ultimate test of your zen – lagering. This is a slow ride to final gravity, where your beer clears up its act, both literally and figuratively. Here’s where you play the waiting game at near-freezing temperatures. 

It’s cool, it’s time-consuming, and yes, it’s a little boring, but the result? A Helles that’s as smooth as a saxophone solo on a quiet night. Just remember, in the kingdom of Helles, temperature control is king.

And patience is, indeed, a virtue.

The Art of Refinement

When crafting your Munich Helles, think of yourself as a maestro fine-tuning a symphony of flavors. It’s all about striking the perfect balance between the bitterness of the hops and the sweetness of the malt. 

Let’s tune up your brewing skills.

And make a Helles that’ll knock the lederhosen off your taste buds.

Fine-Tuning Bitterness and Sweetness

Your mission, should you choose to accept it: balance. German Helles is the James Bond of lagers. Smooth but with a mission. A mission to balance hop bitterness with malt sweetness.

  • Bitterness: Aim for IBU between 16 to 25. Your noble hop choices, like the ever-classical Hallertauer, Tettnang, Spalt, or Saaz, should whisper, not shout.
  • Sweetness: You want that malt forward feel, like a warm Bavarian pretzel. It’s all about pulling sweetness from your malt to soothe the bitterness.

 

Achieving the Desired Clarity

Now let’s get crystal clear – literally. 

You’re after that golden, sunny afternoon-in-Munich kind of look. 

So, here’s your checklist:

  • Use a quality lager yeast and give it time to work its magic.
  • Cold crash your beer like it’s a polar bear taking a dip. That’s right, chill it down before bottling to give those floaters the cold shoulder.

 

Carbonation and Mouthfeel

Last but not least, don’t fall flat on carbonation. It’s the fizz in your biergarten buzz. 

You want those tiny bubbles tickling your nose, not a burpless beverage.

  • Aim for a carbonation level that gives you a polite, but assertive head. Think foam, not froth. Something around 2 to 2.5 of CO2 carbonation volume.
  • Mouthfeel should be smooth, with enough carbonation to cleanse the palate and have you reaching for another sip before you’ve even set down your stein.

 

Remember, your Helles is the smooth operator of the beer world. It’s subtlety at its finest. So treat your hops with a delicate hand, and you’ll be the toast of the town. Or at least your backyard BBQ. 

Raise your glass high and proud, because you, my friend…

…are a Helles legend in the making.

Helles Beer Hops

Brew It Yourself: Recipes and Tips

Ready to become a homebrew hero? Let’s lace up our boots and dive into crafting our own Munich Helles. The German classic that’s smoother than a diplomat at a peace conference. 

So, grab your gear and let’s raise a glass to the DIY spirit!

Extract Brewing for Beginners

Starting with Extract Brewing? You’re in for a treat.

(minus the headache of going all-grain your first time around)

Here’s the scoop:

  1. Select your extract: Hunt down the lightest liquid malt extract you can find. This is your shortcut to that clean Munich base.
  2. Boil and Hop: Bring your brew pot to a rolling torment. I mean, boil. Toss in the noblest of noble hops, like Hallertauer or Tettnang, to keep things balanced with a gentle bitterness.

 

The All-Grain Approach

Got your brewing britches on? All-Grain is where things get cereal-grainy, that is:

  • Mash It Real Good: Mix Munich or Vienna malt with that precious water at around 150°F (65°C). This mash is the real star of the show.
  • Lautering Time: Separate the wort from the grains. Like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat, but less fluffy and more liquidy.
  • Boil & Hops: Give that wort a good boil. A German noble hop with a bitterness unit (BU) to gravity unit (GU) ratio of about 0.3 to 0.5 should keep it traditional yet tasteful.

 

Experimenting with Variations

Feeling adventurous? Boldly go forth and tweak the traditional:

  • Hop Varieties: Noble hops are your buddies here. But who’s stopping you from flirting with American hybrids? They could add a surprising twist.
  • Malts: Sure, Munich or Vienna malts are the norm. But throw in something like Victory malt to jazz up the base without starting a riot in your beer glass.

 

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned brew buff, remember one thing. 

Brewing should be as fun as a barrel of monkeys (the non-scary, non-flying kind).

Twists on a Classic: Helles’s Cousins

Ever felt like the beer world is your oyster but you’re stuck ordering a plain jane Helles? Well, perk up, buttercup! It’s time to jazz up your lager life with some bodacious cousins of the classic Helles.

American Helles: The Fusion Lager

Imagine a traditional Helles lager and an American craft beer had a love child. That’s your American Helles. It’s like Helles went on a road trip across America, picking up bold hop varieties along the way.

Think Cascade or Liberty. 

Hey, it still respects its German roots but doesn’t mind showing off a bit of that hoppy flair. It’s like a fresh take on an old vinyl. With just the right amount of remix to keep it spinning on your tongue.

Hop Varieties for American Helles:

  • Cascade: Citrus zing
  • Liberty: Subtle spiciness

 

European Influences

Now, let’s hop across the pond where European malts play lead guitar in this ensemble. In the band of Vienna malt, Light Munich, and Belgian biscuit malt, each brings a unique riff to the party. 

Vienna’s toasty warmth will cocoon your taste buds. Light Munich is the smooth talker with its seductive sweetness. And Belgian biscuit malt? It’s the wildcard adding a toffee-like twist.

No biscuit in your beer, I promise! But it’ll make you wonder.

Travel a bit further East, and you’ll land in Bohemia. Not the artsy lifestyle, but close. Here, malt masters use local delicacies resulting in a Helles that’ll leave you feeling like you’ve just hugged Europe.

So, what have you got to lose? Dive into the mash pit of Helles’s cooler cousins and find yourself a new malt soulmate. Cheers to a world of lagers that are anything but vanilla!

Beyond the Pint: Food Pairing

If you’ve ever thought beer was just a sidekick to your meal, think again. 

Your pint of Helles has dreams of the big league, pairing with foods like it’s been training in the flavor gym. Remember these key traits. It’s typically golden, with a crisp and clean taste. Topped with a light hop profile that doesn’t bully your palate. 

Now, let’s talk food pairing champions for your Helles:

  • Bavarian Pretzels: Salty, chewy, and utterly dip-able, these twisty treats love to hang out with a refreshing glass of Helles.
  • Grilled Sausages: The slight sweetness of Helles cuts through like a hot knife through butter, or better yet, sausage.
  • Roast Chicken: Let the light bready notes of the beer cozy up to the golden, crispy skin of your roasted bird.

 

Dish

Why It’s a Winner

Potato Salad

Helles brings a crisp contrast to the creaminess. What a team-up!

Weisswurst

The subtle spice of the beer says, “I got you,” to the mild sausage.

Apple Strudel

Because who doesn’t love beer with dessert? It’s a sweet end to a delightful duo.

 

So grab a Helles, invite over some sausages, and cheers to the ultimate palate party. 

You might end up realizing that your beer is the life of the dinner bash.

And trust me, it’s got jokes for days.

Legends of Lager: Brewhouses and Histories

Let’s take a frothy walk down memory lane where the legends of lager were born. 

And the granddaddy of them all, the Helles, took its first golden sip of fame.

Spaten Brewery and the Birth of Helles

Imagine it’s the late 1800s. Munich, your typical beer haven, is in a bit of a pickle. The Czechs are showing off their shiny new Pilsner, and the Bavarians are not having any of it. In steps Spaten Brewery, flexing its brewing muscles to concoct an answer.

The Munich Helles. 

Picture it! It’s 1894, and Spaten’s master brewers are huddled over, whispering sweet nothings to malts and hops. Creating a beer that’s about to make history. A lager with a gentle, malty caress and just a kiss of hops bitterness that says, “I love you”.

But in a very reserved, very German way.

The Evolution of Craft Lagers

Now, flash forward to the craft beer revolution biting at your heels. Those hoppy IPAs have had their applause, but it’s time for the subtly suave craft lagers to take the stage. The Helles lager, your liquid gold, is lean on bitterness but rich with character. 

Brewers are falling over each other to pick the choicest noble hops. Hallertauer, Tettnang, Spalt, Saaz. Each adding its unique whisper of flavor to balance the malty sweetness without overstepping. 

It’s not a shouting match.

It’s a sophisticated debate club where the topic is deliciousness.

And everybody wins.

So next time you’re holding a Helles, give a nod to those Bavarian brewing legends. They fought back with finesse, and we’ve been raising glasses to them ever since.

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Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com