Helios
Elysian Brewing Company

I really enjoyed this beer. Unfortunately, I feel it had several properties outside the Helles / Maibock style that affect its rating. This beer is a bright copper color, very clear from its lagering, and served in appropriate glassware at the Capitol Hill brewpub. It has minute head and scarce lacing, which is less than expected for the style. There were minimal fruity esters in the nose though more were unlocked by aerating and warming the beer a bit. The taste is marked by a short hit of bitter hops then a swell of Belgian-style fruit and spice tastes. The fruity esters should be absent in this style of beer. The finish was of average length and the mouthfeel was Medium-fullbodied. It’s a very drinkable beer if untrue to the Helles style. This beer tastes to me part Pacific Northwest and part Belgian, but not particularly a German style Helles beer.