Helles
Level Crossing Brewing Company

a real nice helles, clean and well lagered, not super crisp, but i like its flow, and i think this one reads a little more properly german than their kolsch, which is also nice but lacked some of the old world authenticity. this is just as drinkable, but has that german malt identity through and through, great water chemistry, and a bready heartiness without it being heavy in any way, the right amount of mid palate sweetness, well lagered, its a good one. nice rich golden color, good hold on the white head, high shine. the nose is pure, a little up front honey thing, light biscuity, earthy barley, light and floral hops, classic german lager yeast patiently deployed, balanced and low on hop bitterness even as it warms, simple in a good way, unexotic but right on. the flavor is right there too, good interplay between grain and yeast, quintessentially german, with a broad pale malty palate before the fresher noble hops come up a little bit, relatively quick finishing but off dry overall and especially low bitterness, both of which are permissible in this style. fresh and good, these guys are doing great things and its nice to see them booming, been a fan since the early days! this hits, not mind blowing by any means, but no complaints at all.