Samuel Adams Fresh As Helles
Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)


Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
- Massachusetts, United States
- Style:
- Lager - Helles
Ranked #201 - ABV:
- 5.4%
- Score:
- 82
Ranked #26,019 - Avg:
- 3.62 | pDev: 11.33%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Jan 25, 2022
- Added:
- Dec 22, 2016
- Wants:
- 12
- Gots:
- 141
SCORE
82
Good
82
Good


Notes:
The soft citrus of orange blossom adds a bright accent to the slightly sweet honey malt notes in this Helles lager, leading to a round, smooth finish.
IBU: 18
IBU: 18
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3.5 by TMoney2591 from Illinois on Jan 25, 2022
2.5/5 rDev -30.9%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
by lagrluvr
light, sweet wussy-fied lager, with too much orange blossom or whatever fake sweet crap they added, pretty typical of a sham addumbs: crappy wuss beer for noobs and boobs. all hype, nothing but a sweetened light beer. high school level, just above a miller
Dec 31, 2021
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5
by lagrluvr
light, sweet wussy-fied lager, with too much orange blossom or whatever fake sweet crap they added, pretty typical of a sham addumbs: crappy wuss beer for noobs and boobs. all hype, nothing but a sweetened light beer. high school level, just above a miller
Dec 31, 2021
3.75 by Velivolus1 from Vermont on Jul 20, 2020
3.75 by Maltyhead from Massachusetts on Jun 23, 2020
3.59 by imnodoctorbut from Texas on Mar 19, 2020
3.43 by Mickt465 from New Hampshire on Dec 27, 2019
3.5 by Griffith from Connecticut on Jul 11, 2019
3.65 by Kolb from Montana on Apr 29, 2019
3.75 by Nurt20 from Illinois on Jan 26, 2019
5 by Kwright from North Carolina on Jan 24, 2019
3.7 by dpgoblejr from New Hampshire on Jan 01, 2019
3.67 by Mjk5026 from Pennsylvania on Dec 15, 2018
3/5 rDev -17.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
by Parmesan from Colorado
L: Pours a muted orange amber with a large white head that leaves about an inch on top and thick fingers of lacing all around the glass.
S: Little bit of blood orange, notes of honey and bread, not the strongest aroma.
T: Some blood orange mixed with sweet honey and some bread, the orange and honey kinda hide the rest of the helles characteristics.
F: Medium body and carbonation.
O: This one just doesn't do much more me, the honey and blood orange seem to overshadow the helles character of this beer.
Nov 26, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
by Parmesan from Colorado
L: Pours a muted orange amber with a large white head that leaves about an inch on top and thick fingers of lacing all around the glass.
S: Little bit of blood orange, notes of honey and bread, not the strongest aroma.
T: Some blood orange mixed with sweet honey and some bread, the orange and honey kinda hide the rest of the helles characteristics.
F: Medium body and carbonation.
O: This one just doesn't do much more me, the honey and blood orange seem to overshadow the helles character of this beer.
Nov 26, 2018
3/5 rDev -17.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by Drak-Nib from Nebraska
“Helles lager with orange blossom.” This has a distinctive fruity taste with a slightly hoppy flavor underneath. Not bad. 2018/02/18
Nov 20, 2018
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by Drak-Nib from Nebraska
“Helles lager with orange blossom.” This has a distinctive fruity taste with a slightly hoppy flavor underneath. Not bad. 2018/02/18
Nov 20, 2018
4.3/5 rDev +18.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by JimboBrews54 from Michigan
Pours a clear golden color with a foamy head. Aroma is floral with light fruit, and grassy. Taste of light fruits, bit of citrus and floral. Mild bitterness and a clean finish. Moderate body, quite smooth, clean and refreshing. Beer probably goes best with a BBQ.
Oct 17, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by JimboBrews54 from Michigan
Pours a clear golden color with a foamy head. Aroma is floral with light fruit, and grassy. Taste of light fruits, bit of citrus and floral. Mild bitterness and a clean finish. Moderate body, quite smooth, clean and refreshing. Beer probably goes best with a BBQ.
Oct 17, 2018
3.67/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by lwillitz from Wisconsin
12-oz bottle into flute
A - half a finger of white over a crystal-clear golden body, high visible carbonation
S - light malts with a touch of citrus
T - light bread, oranges, pine and spice
M - crisp light body, high carbonation
O - on par for the style; good enough to drink again
Oct 06, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by lwillitz from Wisconsin
12-oz bottle into flute
A - half a finger of white over a crystal-clear golden body, high visible carbonation
S - light malts with a touch of citrus
T - light bread, oranges, pine and spice
M - crisp light body, high carbonation
O - on par for the style; good enough to drink again
Oct 06, 2018
3.81 by Sammy from Canada (ON) on Aug 09, 2018
3.24/5 rDev -10.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by BlackBeerPirate from Illinois
Taste: crisp, clean finish, caramel malts, with notes of orange blossoms. Same with the nose. Gold, clear, with white head and some lace. Medium/light body. Easy drinking Summer beer. 18 IBUs
Jul 16, 2018
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by BlackBeerPirate from Illinois
Taste: crisp, clean finish, caramel malts, with notes of orange blossoms. Same with the nose. Gold, clear, with white head and some lace. Medium/light body. Easy drinking Summer beer. 18 IBUs
Jul 16, 2018
4.2/5 rDev +16%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Esor from Canada (AB)
Very refreshing light and easy drinking very nice spring beer when I can find it in Canada.
May 28, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Esor from Canada (AB)
Very refreshing light and easy drinking very nice spring beer when I can find it in Canada.
May 28, 2018
3.52 by Chris5554 from Massachusetts on May 26, 2018
3.87 by FadetoBock from Canada (AB) on May 26, 2018
3.75 by DigitGrowler from Kentucky on May 20, 2018
3.75 by imperialking from Illinois on May 14, 2018
3.62/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by RozzieBoy from Rhode Island
L - Darker golden, light carbonation with thin off-white head. Minimal lacing.
S - Light breaststroke malt
T - Follows nose.
T - Smooth and medium bodied. Very nice.
O - Enjoyable, pretty easy drinking beer. Liked it.
May 12, 2018
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by RozzieBoy from Rhode Island
L - Darker golden, light carbonation with thin off-white head. Minimal lacing.
S - Light breaststroke malt
T - Follows nose.
T - Smooth and medium bodied. Very nice.
O - Enjoyable, pretty easy drinking beer. Liked it.
May 12, 2018
3.57 by SmellsofMahagony from Texas on May 02, 2018
3.73/5 rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by Bitterbill from Wyoming
Single bought at Liquor Shed.
It pours a clear light gold with an inch of foam and good lacing.
It smells of oranges, sweet and cracker malt.
Taste is of oranges, sweet malt, crackers, hints of pine which make this an easy drinker. Pretty enjoyable.
Apr 30, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by Bitterbill from Wyoming
Single bought at Liquor Shed.
It pours a clear light gold with an inch of foam and good lacing.
It smells of oranges, sweet and cracker malt.
Taste is of oranges, sweet malt, crackers, hints of pine which make this an easy drinker. Pretty enjoyable.
Apr 30, 2018
3.67/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by arizcards from North Carolina
Picked up as part of a mixed 12 pack for $14.99. Best before April 2018.
Beer poured golden with a tinge of orange, nice white head that has some good hang time.
Nose has a touch of orange weaved in with a primarily malt forward aroma, nicely played.
Taste is crackers with a nice touch of orange. Finish is a tad on the sweet side and could use some balance.
Mouthfeel is light bodied and refreshing.
Overall this is a nice little refreshing beer, good change of pace.
Apr 29, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by arizcards from North Carolina
Picked up as part of a mixed 12 pack for $14.99. Best before April 2018.
Beer poured golden with a tinge of orange, nice white head that has some good hang time.
Nose has a touch of orange weaved in with a primarily malt forward aroma, nicely played.
Taste is crackers with a nice touch of orange. Finish is a tad on the sweet side and could use some balance.
Mouthfeel is light bodied and refreshing.
Overall this is a nice little refreshing beer, good change of pace.
Apr 29, 2018
3.49/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by secondtooth from Indiana
Appearance: Clean golden amber with a light head of off-white suds and no lace.
Aroma: Malty with hints of fruit but not much of the orange blossom.
Taste: Enjoyable light and malty lager here, with a hint of orange fruitiness underneath. Decent, if subtle and forgettable overall.
Apr 25, 2018
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by secondtooth from Indiana
Appearance: Clean golden amber with a light head of off-white suds and no lace.
Aroma: Malty with hints of fruit but not much of the orange blossom.
Taste: Enjoyable light and malty lager here, with a hint of orange fruitiness underneath. Decent, if subtle and forgettable overall.
Apr 25, 2018
3.71/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by beergoot from Colorado
Clear, deep golden body; thin yet lasting head. Caramel and fresh bread aroma. The taste mirrors the aroma; some subtle hop bitterness. Medium body; warm.
An all-around, solid and tasty beer. It delivers some lager smoothness with a dash of ale warmth and flavor.
Apr 22, 2018
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by beergoot from Colorado
Clear, deep golden body; thin yet lasting head. Caramel and fresh bread aroma. The taste mirrors the aroma; some subtle hop bitterness. Medium body; warm.
An all-around, solid and tasty beer. It delivers some lager smoothness with a dash of ale warmth and flavor.
Apr 22, 2018
3.76/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by beerthulhu from New Jersey
A: Coloring is medium-tarnished orange, with a very good clarity, a bit darker then i expected per style. Large building billowy white head forms and lapses after a moderate rate of stay. Nice covering still persists. The carbonation factor is very light, very loosely dense, but rises at a relatively quick pace. A nice film coating ensures on the vessel.
S: Good sense of the orange blossoms on the opening aroma, very fresh, aromatic, floral with some underlying notes of citrusy-grapefruit. Some definitions of hop spiciness adds a nice zing and spring feel, spicy, bright, very spring and Saaz like. Nice fruitiness, for a helles style has a strong aromatic presence.
T: The flavor had a very crisp nature, lemony-orange blossom, and grapefruit with a good orange floral touch. Fresh grains, breakfast fruit, melon, and cantaloupe with an apple-lager like yeastiness bite. A really nice finish expresses the strong nature of the orange blossoms with a fresh and vibrant nature, spicy, floral and perfumy, with some tulips, honey-suckle and orange blossoms with a crisp lager bite. Clean and and sharp nature, touch of apple yeastiness, with some sweet honeymalt.
M: Good crispness, honey like feel, lager bite with some bubbly sensation. Orange blossom expression coming on the swallow with a light dry grain finish.
O: Overall Sam Adams was my gateway beer, like so many others, and they tend to make very refined, clean drinking pub beers for the masses. This is a nice twist on the helles style, a very clean grain bill and brewing technique, with some added sauciness and spiciness of american hops and floral orange blossoms adds flavor and a very spring like feel. A very enjoyable beer that is multiple worthy by all accounts, very cleanly brewed, high crispness factor, and fills a void in the spring time offering of beers with orange blossom notes that is bright and spicy adding american influence with a great german malt backbone.
Apr 18, 2018
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by beerthulhu from New Jersey
A: Coloring is medium-tarnished orange, with a very good clarity, a bit darker then i expected per style. Large building billowy white head forms and lapses after a moderate rate of stay. Nice covering still persists. The carbonation factor is very light, very loosely dense, but rises at a relatively quick pace. A nice film coating ensures on the vessel.
S: Good sense of the orange blossoms on the opening aroma, very fresh, aromatic, floral with some underlying notes of citrusy-grapefruit. Some definitions of hop spiciness adds a nice zing and spring feel, spicy, bright, very spring and Saaz like. Nice fruitiness, for a helles style has a strong aromatic presence.
T: The flavor had a very crisp nature, lemony-orange blossom, and grapefruit with a good orange floral touch. Fresh grains, breakfast fruit, melon, and cantaloupe with an apple-lager like yeastiness bite. A really nice finish expresses the strong nature of the orange blossoms with a fresh and vibrant nature, spicy, floral and perfumy, with some tulips, honey-suckle and orange blossoms with a crisp lager bite. Clean and and sharp nature, touch of apple yeastiness, with some sweet honeymalt.
M: Good crispness, honey like feel, lager bite with some bubbly sensation. Orange blossom expression coming on the swallow with a light dry grain finish.
O: Overall Sam Adams was my gateway beer, like so many others, and they tend to make very refined, clean drinking pub beers for the masses. This is a nice twist on the helles style, a very clean grain bill and brewing technique, with some added sauciness and spiciness of american hops and floral orange blossoms adds flavor and a very spring like feel. A very enjoyable beer that is multiple worthy by all accounts, very cleanly brewed, high crispness factor, and fills a void in the spring time offering of beers with orange blossom notes that is bright and spicy adding american influence with a great german malt backbone.
Apr 18, 2018
3.67 by Giggy from Michigan on Apr 17, 2018
3.76/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by mushroomcloud from Texas
Best before June 2018
1" white sudsy head on top of a deep golden, clear lager...plenty of visible carbonation.
Big, sweet oranges in the nose. Citrus and soft malt.
Light. Pleasant orange blossom flavors. Honey sweetness?
Soft, soft mouthfeel, dry finish. Perceived low carbonation. Quick and clean.
Easy to drink, bordering on crushable but probably not a Helles?
Apr 14, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by mushroomcloud from Texas
Best before June 2018
1" white sudsy head on top of a deep golden, clear lager...plenty of visible carbonation.
Big, sweet oranges in the nose. Citrus and soft malt.
Light. Pleasant orange blossom flavors. Honey sweetness?
Soft, soft mouthfeel, dry finish. Perceived low carbonation. Quick and clean.
Easy to drink, bordering on crushable but probably not a Helles?
Apr 14, 2018
3.41 by ibanez2k from Virginia on Apr 08, 2018
3.52 by shelby415 from Oregon on Apr 07, 2018
3.75 by emerge077 from Illinois on Apr 01, 2018
4.1/5 rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by DingusKhann from Texas
This beer is very nice to look at, its amber color and and pale head are very similar, nearly identical in fact, to other Sam Adams lagers. The truly delightful aspect of this beer is it's bright fruitiness. The bright flavors definitely hide behind this beers appearance. When first cracked the sweet scent of orange mingles with hoppy undertones. This parallels the beer's flavors. The flavor of the orange is not overpowering, yet the fruits sweetness cuts through the spiciness of the hops. The mouth feel is thin with moderate carbonation; a good balance in my opinion. This beer would pair well with spicy foods, such as Mexican or Asian foods. The sweet fruitiness will contrast well with the spice.
Mar 31, 2018
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by DingusKhann from Texas
This beer is very nice to look at, its amber color and and pale head are very similar, nearly identical in fact, to other Sam Adams lagers. The truly delightful aspect of this beer is it's bright fruitiness. The bright flavors definitely hide behind this beers appearance. When first cracked the sweet scent of orange mingles with hoppy undertones. This parallels the beer's flavors. The flavor of the orange is not overpowering, yet the fruits sweetness cuts through the spiciness of the hops. The mouth feel is thin with moderate carbonation; a good balance in my opinion. This beer would pair well with spicy foods, such as Mexican or Asian foods. The sweet fruitiness will contrast well with the spice.
Mar 31, 2018
3.26 by Deano_53 from New York on Mar 30, 2018
3.38 by hairnic from District of Columbia on Mar 29, 2018
3.6 by Paul_Apsley from Michigan on Mar 27, 2018
4.08/5 rDev +12.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Magnus_Yeflwulf from New York
This is a bright and light lager, as it should be. The addition of orange blossom is noticeable on the burp. A very refreshing brew.
Mar 24, 2018
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Magnus_Yeflwulf from New York
This is a bright and light lager, as it should be. The addition of orange blossom is noticeable on the burp. A very refreshing brew.
Mar 24, 2018
Samuel Adams Fresh As Helles from Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Beer rating:
82 out of
100 with
469 ratings