Helles
Bristlecone Brewing Company

a light, clean, and snappy helles lager, lighted and drier all the way than most, very professionally executed, the lager game here was on point, very impressive overall, subtly unique pils malt character to this, less baked and warm than these can often be, more doughy and earthen, lighter with some mineral and husk character about it, but all real mellow and drinkable, fresh too, beautifully well lagered. more blonde than yellow or honey colored as these can often be, about as pale a helles as i have seen, visibly light in body too, high carbonation obvious, nice airy white head rising up, gorgeous clarity, really refined looking beer. nose and taste here are pils malt forward, decidedly german, but distinctive a little bit too, without the heft the style can have in the middle, light cereal character, dry minerality, old world yeast that is familiar here but very light, and just subtly floral on the hop side, less noble really, not bitter, grassy, or with much spiciness, but the hop balance overall is there, to me rather delicate overall, a sort of minimalist approach that is really effective. the refreshment factor is off the charts, and its quick but it isnt boring or missing anything despite its obvious lightness. so tidy but still flavorful to me, a nice showcase of the ingredients, grain especially, pure and polished beer executed at a very high level, love the quick finishing and the effervescence. late notes of cut flowers, hay, clay, and drop biscuit. exceptional.