An Ode to Helles Lagers

I love helles - it's one of my favorite styles.
I've noticed that more and more smaller breweries in the US are starting to brew them, which is nice...as long as they're making a real one and not some blonde ale/macro lager hybrid.
For imports, you can pretty safely get any of the helles beers coming out of Munich. Just be wary of green bottles and freshness. Look for sealed 12 packs and dating when possible.
One of my favorites is from Mahr's. It's a little more "rounded" than most of the Munich ones, and it reminds me of the one we don't get - Augustiner Lagerbier Hell.

 

I had some Hacker-Pschorr Munich Gold last year that was really good despite being a couple months past the best by date. I bet it would be fantastic closer to a fresher date.

 

Surprised this thread has gone this long with no mention of Dead Guy Ale

 

I really enjoyed Jack's Abby's Maibock Hurts Like Helles, but it's only in MA for now.

 

That'll teach you not to dismiss a beer before you even try it.

Weinhenstephan Original is my favorite Helles.

 

Helles Belles from Ninkasi was pretty enjoyable as well on a hot day.

 

Why, Dead Guy Ale is an ale not a lager!

 

Sitting here drinking a Hacker-Pschorr, I can get behind this thread. Maybe I'll pick up some Weihenstephan tomorrow.

 

It is a lager, actually, despite the name. But it's not a helles. More of a bock.

 

Not incredibly widely available, but Fordham Helles Lager has become one of my go to summer beers. Great for non-craft drinkers as well.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/4067/44831

 

It is an ale, as it is feremtned with the Packman Ale yeast.
http://www.rogue.com/beers/dead-guy-ale.php

 

'Cause we're not talking about weird Maibock conceptions.

 

I hear what you're saying, the H-P Helles is probably my least favorite, but definitely try the Weihenstephan or the Ayinger Jahrhundert, Mahr's Hell, or Weltenburger Kloster Barock-Hell -- all very delish and perfect for discovering what good lager is all about.

 

Great post - I am a huge fan of Helles and German style beers in general. In addition to the other German brands that people mentioned you need to go for Victory Lager - it's a fantastic example of the Helles style (and better than Stoudts Gold IMO). It sounds like you may be in SEPA so hit Wegman's and pick up German brews like Ayinger Jahrhundert, Hacker-Psorr Munich Gold and Weihenstephan Original. They're all great but fresh Victory Lager can hold it's own against them.

Also, St. Boisterous is a Heller Bock...

 

Also love the Weihenstephan Original, so underrated because the Hefeweizen gets all the press. Whenever I find it on tap it may be the most drinkable beer I've ever had (short of returning to Munich for a Helles). Usually many of the great liquor stores will let you know when it comes in, and that it's fresh.

 

I love the H-P Helles beers, I think I have had 3 varieties of it and they were all spot on. Check freshness.

 

In a category loaded with great German breweries, Weihenstephaner Original was just amazing. People are so enamored by Pale Ales, I would be happier with a Helles like Columbus Summer Teeth, Edelstoff, or GLBC Dortmunder. I hope thats the next trend (wish it had already happened instead of Saison/Farmhouse Ales).