Is the Helles style making a craft comeback?

Around my part of Ohio, I think the Helles style was better represented 15 or so years ago in terms of craft offerings. Victory Lager, Stoudt's Gold, and Penn Gold were common sightings. Victory was even in most grocery stores. I have not seen the Victory or Penn offerings in years, and I understand Stoudt's won't be available much longer (it's distribution was diminishing rapidly anyhow). I can't think of any locally distributed craft helles offerings these days. I typically go for Hofbrau or Spaten, which I can sometimes find fresh if keeping my eyes open.

 

Just found Spaten Premium bottled in January -- have been needing a malt fix because all of the closest "essential" liquor retailers are over-stocked with hoppy PAs or IPAs.

HB is hard to find fresh because it isn't on a lot of shelves and doesn't sell well.

Which is not to say Spaten sells any better -- I just got lucky!

 

There are a few retailers around that sell Hofbrau on the regular, but otherwise it's hard to find. When it first drops it's around 3 months old.

 

We get it- you’re dying for an Italian Helles

 

There seems to be an uptick in Pilsner consumption and Helles maybe along for the ride.
Speaking for my area, von Trapp’s Helles, Jack's Abby's House Lager and Oatis, My Man are common in the bottle shops. Weihenstephaner's Original is spotted every now and then.
Smaller and newer breweries are daring to give the style a try.

Bravo Brewing Co. makes a Helles that I tried on draught, awesome. Unfortunately, they are closed. I hope they open back up next month.

Cheers.

 

I want this to be true! Helles are such a satisfying lager. Riverlands in IL put out a great Helles recently, the wife especially loves it, hoping other breweries around here follow suit

 

We certainly have seen more of this style in WMass, add to that the established brew pubs are (were) also keeping vit in steady rotation. To the point made ealier about hopping, I agree, locally the Peoples Pint does a VERY true to form Helles. Lets hope they can open back up after this current situation. We have full access to Von Trapp, add to that Brick and Feather. Where the brewer loves the style.
So in short yes I aggree Jack there seems to be a new interest in the style.
Cheers

 

Modern Times Abaddon, Wayfinder Hell, Bruery Ruekeller Helles, Russian River Velvet Glow Helles...

All WONDERFUL beers. Such a pleasure to consume.

 

Who is calling this a Helles? I looked at it on their web site and they don't really label it as anything, but a "Lager."

Nevertheless, I'll try it if I see it.

 

We are fortunate here in New England- There are a few breweries brewing lagers in the traditional way- From Jack's Abbey House Lager (best value of the bunch) to Hill Farmstead with their standard Marie and more limited draft options. And then there is Notch which sits between the two in cost and brews some of my favorite beers. My favorite Helles of the local bunch is Memoria by HF, but as far as I know that was a one time brew.

 

Spaten and Hofbräu barely do either.

 

True, but they have history to fall back on.

It's funny you point that out, I was just looking at the Spaten "Premium" label and wondering why they don't call it Helles -- when everyone knows it is.

 

I don't think that I've even seen it since it was released originally, so good to hear it's still being made.

 

Where them hellerbocks?

 

Not sure where you are in PA but I have picked up Weihenstephaner in Indiana, PA and Greensburg that was fresh. Paulaner on the other hand is tough. I love Paulaner but it is a hit or miss with them.