Helheim Helles
Gemüt Biergarten

 

Clear pale yellow with a tall, puffy and lumpy white head.

Softly crisp, grassy and herbal old world hops contrast white cornbread in this clean crusher.

 

 

Can dated 3-14-23. Pilsner glass.

A: pours a bright yellow, not quite straw - a touch deeper. Crystal clear with loads of visible carbonation. Two fingers of rocky white head that recedes to a single finger, but lasts. A couple of rings of lacing.

S: fresh out of the fridge, has a simultaneous hint of honeyed Pilsner malt and floral noble hops. Dare I say a hint of ripe honeydew melon. As it warms, the malt dominates. Freshly baked bread, untoasted, with the lightest brushing of honey.

T: on the first sip, very light profile; lighter than the sample tasted on draft. Dry, crisp cracker. Almost like matzoh. Toward the end, the noble hops make a brief appearance in a herbaceous note, but the honey sweetness on the nose is nowhere to be found on the palate. Lacks the floral/soapy note I often get in German helles, which is a good thing. But also lacks some of the heftier malt and sweetness I’d expect. Finishes with a quick hint of hops, then a very clean, dry ending. Less malty and sweet than to style.

M: unquestionably light-bodied, well attenuated, with moderate-to-high carbonation. A little lighter than to style.

O: A supremely drinkable helles that pairs perfectly with food, sunshine, and day drinking. Because the brewery also makes a Pilsner and a Dortmunder, I can see why this is a little light in the malt department. But it is super, duper drinkable, and within the boundaries of the style (if a touch light on malt flavor and body). I’m harder on styles I like, and on breweries I like, and this is both. But I still think this is an outstanding helles, perhaps the second best I’ve had by an American brewery. I’m glad I bought four, and I foresee much baseball watching while drinking this.