Basketcase American Helles (Heavy Rotation Series No. 3)
Starr Hill Brewery

 

 

Bottle dated 9/21/2016:
Pours a dark gold, with perhaps the lightest of barely blurring haze. Head isn't overly impressive, building lightly on pour, and ending with a thin rim that about equals the minimalist nature of the "haze."

The nose has a nice baked bread malt notes with just a little herbal bitterness thrown in. Deeper whiffs do bring in a light tangerine to orange/grapefruit note that I think the brewer intended to be a part of this alternate take on the Helles style.

Taste starts with that lightly sweet bread. The feel is smooth, but partially due to a little lack of carbonation, which only brings a few pricks and a tickles to the tongue. There seems to be a more classic grassy herbal note that balances out the malt opening before the citrus hops make an appearance. They aren't nearly as powerful in this beer as in many hoppy American beers, which I think is nice.

This beer is a nice offering. It's not really a hybrid - but a nice adaptation of the main style that doesn't lose that base style.

 

 

 

Definitely an American twit on the style. Hoppy for a Helles. Heavy Rotation Series #3.

Poured from a bottle to a tulip glass. Pours a golden color with a thick white head, about two fingers thick, large bubbles that dissipate rapidly. Smells of bready malts with a hint of lemon to it. Taste is very light with the malts being the primary flavor with again some lemon to it. Finishes quickly. Light bodied beer. Overall its a fairly light lager, easy drinker. Probably won't blow you away but it would certainly be welcome at a tailgate or an afternoon watching football.