May
St. Elmo Brewing Co.

its been awhile since i dipped into a beer from these guys. this is a sturdy take on a helles, a little stronger than is common, real nicely refined though, clear and shiny golden with a lasting near inch of white head with some lace rings as it sips down. the carbonation is visible and consistent, and it stays the whole drink. the aroma on it is bready, white bread, plain bagel, that sort of thing, some distinctively german character to the malt, soft simple cereal sweetness, and a nice mineral complexion underneath, not exceedingly hoppy to me but made fresh by the back end hop presence for sure, old world lager yeast gives it a high degree of authenticity. the flavor is similar, the hops start a bit earlier, mild citrus, green lawn, and possibly a little floral which lightens this a little. brassy minerality, bread crusts, doughy fermentation character, great balance, more bitter as it warms, drier at the end than how it starts. smooth and somewhat enriched feeling, hearty as these go, dont mind that at all. a nice all season lager here, technically rock solid. distinctive and true to style at the same time. impressive offering.