An Ode to Helles Lagers

Nice post. Helles lager done right is a very enjoyable style. There's not any reason they should not be in a BA's rotation in my opinion. We're beer advocates. Not stout, india pale ale, and sour advocates. Absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying any of those. But I kind of feel an obligation to branch out. And I'm often really surprised and pleased. Especially when it's a style that's not brewed often (or at least in the United States). All part of the enjoyment of beer.

 

Nice post. If you have the chance, try some fresh Weihenstephan Original (it's probably the best of the Munich Helles style to be easily found in the U.S. in not too bad condition). Oh, and read this...from BA patto1ro: http://barclayperkins.blogspot.com/2011/06/simply-perfect.html

 

I've only had the GI Helles Lager (part of their local only 'Fulton and Wood' series) and was not impressed- tasted a little too sweet for me. That said, I totally agree about having something in rotation besides IPAs, Stouts, etc. and love lagers and pilsners when done right. We don't get Stoudt's out here, but if I saw that one I'd give it shot just based on the beers I had from them when I was in Pittsburgh.

 

Last night I tried to compare Ayinger Jahrundert and Augustiner Edelstoff side by side. I say 'tried', because after a few sips the pure enjoyment of drinking them took over and I just said 'screw it' (like I always do). The only conclusion I came to is that they are both excellent and among my favorites. Weihenstaphaner Original is also great, as are Hacker-Pschorr and Spaten. I can't say I've had a domestic one that made me feel thay way, but it has been a while since I've had the Stoudts.

 

Hear, hear!

 

Love this post as it isn't a sour/Stout/IPA slurp fest. Always wanted to try the Stoudt's Gold, next time I am in PA, gotta grab some

 

Your location says LA, US. Louisiana gets some Stoudt's. The Pils and Gold for sure. I don't know how widely available it is, but I always see both in Lafayette. Two of my favorite lagers.

 

The Schlenkerla Helles is fantastic.

 

I love a good Munich Helles, Herrburgess is right about Weihenstephan Original being a great example of the style. I usually keep a homebrewed Helles on tap at the house, unfortunately my keg just kicked yesterday and I don't have any on deck to replace it...

 

Had some one tap yesterday, its great.

 

I second the Schlenkerla Helles. Awesome beer!

 

Paulaner Munchener Hellles is a very good rendition of this style. Nice post.

 

Over the course of years I'd become curiously alecentric, and fresh Original drew me back into lager's arms. If I may vaporize the metaphor, it's like a breath of fresh air.

 

Olde Mecklenburg brewery in Charlotte, NC, used to brew a Helles called Mecklenburger. After I first fell in love with the style while visiting my in-laws in Munich, I came back to the States and looked in bottle shops for something comparable. I settled on the Weihenstephan Original (somehow the Augustiner didn't make the trans-Atlantic journey in good shape at all). Then on a business trip up to Charlotte I discovered fresh Mecklenburger, and it took me straight back to those Munich beer gardens. Wish they'd brew it again, but they seem to be focusing on their Pils, which is also pretty phenomenal.

 

Plus 10 for the OP. Stoudt's Gold is one of the best beers I've ever tried. I too found it impossible to share with anyone when I bought their variety pack.

 

New Glarus Two Women is a good amberish lager.

 

good stuff. you're from PA so you ought to give Penn Gold from Penn Brewery a go, it's excellent. Must be the German influence in good ol' PA.

 

Good post, Helles is a very underrated style. I'm lucky, the local brew pub has a Helles on tap year round and a local beer bar has Paluner Helles on tap also. Cricket Hill East Coast Lager, the brewery's flagship beer is a Helles. If you feel the need to convert BMC drinkers to craft,a Helles is a better starting point than an IPA.