Helles Appreciation Thread (2023)

To my knowledge, no. It probably wouldn't make much sense given that Paulaner already sends theirs.

 

Well... I see both Paulaner & H-P Helles at my stores, though I haven't checked on their equivalents sold in Munich.

Of course, I also see both Paulaner & H-P Weizen and Okto Märzen, too.

 

Touché LOL

Maybe they think that more year-round yellow lagers won't sell?

To me, based on some limited research, it seems that there are two 'kinds' of Münchner Helles, that breaks down as such:

1) Munich Helles/Hell, which is what most people associate as 'regular' Munich Helles, with an abv ranging roughly from 4.8 to 5.2. Examples include: Hofbräu Original, Augustiner Lagerbier Hell, Spaten and Löwenbräu Original (labelled/packaged as Münchner Hell in Munich)

2) Spezial/Export/UrTyp (translated as 'archetype') which is Hell's stronger, and older brother/cousin, that seems to be around 5.5 or so, sometimes hovering a touch higher (Like Edelstoff). Examples include: Augustiner Edelstoff, Hacker Pschorr Munich Gold, Paulaner Urtyp, Löwenbräu Urtyp, Ayinger Jahrhundert

Sorry for being pedantic, but I think it's a reasonable distinction based on taste and alcohol.

 

That's a very distinct possibility. But as said, there's been a steady availability of both Paulaner and H-P 4-pack cans of "Helles" available around here. And at pretty decent prices -- $6 to $7 per.

 

Same here, although the prices aren't as good

Could it be that they export only one from each brand (one hell--Paulaner and one spezial/urtyp--Hacker Pschorr) to make it simple for the consumer?

 

That's more credit to the average consumer of beer -- let alone import German beer, than I'm willing to allow.

 

I love this thread and I'd call it one of my favorite styles as well. Some of my most loved examples of the style:

Wooly Pig Rustic Helles
Andechs Vollbier Helles (far and away my favorite import)
Counterweight Ein Helles (I might love the smoked version even more)
Columbus Summerteeth
Baderbrau South Side Sox (RIP)

Also regarding the Weihenstephaner and decoction, Tobias Zollo actually elaborates a bit on the topic and the difference between Original and Helles in this interview from last year (his discussion on this topic starts at 11:29 for people who can't access the timestamp). It's interesting hearing his story of how he got the approval of Ludwig Narziss for his infusion-mash recipe for the newer Helles. Personally I like Original a fair bit more as a beer but perhaps paradoxically would say that the Helles is closer to my ideal take on the style.

 

Here's my favorite helles. I'm usually able to get it reasonably fresh and the price is always right. These were bottled in early May, can't beat that!

 

I’m lucky, I live in Denver less than 4 miles from Bierstadt Lagerhaus. Their flagship may be a slow-pour Pilsner, their major draws may be various one-offs and seasonal, but their masterpiece is their Helles.

 

Keep your eyes open for Schenker Hellbier - the founder of that brewery was a head brewer at Folksbier. (I’ve never had a Schenker beer.)

 

My go to summertime beer

 

That's a dandy & your backyard looks mighty relaxing...Enjoy ONE more month of good MN weather!

 

Finally saw Paulaner Münchner Hell cans in NJ. I’ve seen BAs all over the cans but we used to only get bottles; I guess we get cans now too which is good news.

 

Currently in SD, hoping to cross paths with it. Seems like Surly distro over here doesn't have same market/shelf penetration that it did a few years ago.

 

Schilling Paulus is the best Helles that I've ever had.

It's not easy to get in PA, but I have a friend in New Hampshire.

 

Tucher Helles Lager, 5.2% - a delicious Helles, right up there with the best! Light amber color with a thick frothy head. Aromas of mild cracker and bread malts, and light floral grassy hops. Slight caramel, mild sweetness. Cheers!

 

It has been years since I have seen Victory Helles. Maybe it is still available on a rotating basis at a taproom(s)?

Luckily Sly Fox Helles is still a year-round beer and a tasty Helles for my palate; it has the attributes you seek (e.g., not a malt bomb, not hoppy, etc.).

Cheers!