Prost! + Benediktiner Export Helle
Klosterbrauerei Ettal

neat that the prost group has the pull to get a collaboration like this done, glad to be drinking on it, hoppy and fuller feeling for a helles, sturdy, and i think under the export moniker that comes in around about just right, there is some subtle uniqueness to this while its also quite classic, so they hit the sweet spot i think, even if im not like, head over heels in love with the end result. bright golden and just off clear, with a puffy white german lager head, thick with great retention and lace in the wake of each pull, lots of bubbles, looks yummy. the aroma has a classic german breadiness, the lager yeast is recognizable, the grain has some heartiness, minerality, cereals to it, not sweet at any point, some of the hull character, light toast without going too deep there, and some hop kick, faint noble spice but also some pine, cascade is a unique addition to the style, and its tastefully dosed but shows, adds a freshness as well, robust but balanced, nice for the cold winter weather i reckon. the flavor has an early onset hop bitterness, not out of place but in a style where i am used to some middle malt sweetness, its hops instead in this one, which is its point of differentiation, richer pils malt character still to this, quintessentially german in malt and in the ferment, very well lagered, doughy and bready at the same time, awesome water quality to this, its mineral content is distinctive and a big part of this, some subtle citrus to me, a little bit of baked grain depth, granola, quicker finish pushed faster by the zippy carbonation. not as sort of pure and easy as the standard helles, more body here for sure, flavor too, but i like the subtle liberties they have taken, and its a cool effort overall. could see this being a versatile food beer too, but i just had it straight.

This is one excellent beer. They got everything right. The pour, aroma - lightly sweet & fruity & floral & very mild hops. Could drink this all the time