Helles Appreciation Thread (2023)

HB is probably my second favorite import Helles, but they've been gradually eeking up their prices around here and I've been looking at other labels.

At least one six-pack of their Festbier will make it into my possession this season, however.

 

I'll go one better than @steveh () and state that it's my favorite Helles out of everything available to me.

What's your number one?

 

Wow, I guess I'm not as redundantly vocal as I thought.

Spaten Premium, of course.
@grantcty

 

My son was visiting last weekend so we tapped a mini keg of Hofbrau Original while smoking some ribs. The perfect format for that beer, and the last glass was as pleasurable as the first.

 

Totally agree! Helles is not a style that is readily available in my neck of the woods. But, the one that is routinely available is Weihenstephaner Original Premium. I have had a few others but WOP beats them hands down!

 

You hit the nail on the head. For the longest time HB Original was $7.99/six-pack by me. Now with inflation we’re either at 9.99 or (ugh) we’ve crossed the $10 threshold. Still a killer beer but I’ve switched to paulaner as my go-to helles due to pricing. Locally (dc area) port city helles is outstanding.

 

Jeff Alworth (a writer I like) featured Spaten Premium in his "Beer Bible" under his mass-market lagers chapter rather than in the Helles chapter, stating: "Spaten, the lightest and fizziest [compared to Beck's and Warsteiner] shows how close to the American model a brewery can get without resorting to rice or corn." Reading this raised an eyebrow. An opinion is an opinion, but this one felt a bit unfair to me.

 

Had this and not a fan. Damn, this is heavy for what it is (and very US craft beer-y), I would love to know the gravity stats for it. It drinks like a Helles Märzen to me. @cjgiant

 

Are you just trying to rattle the cage?

Alworth is one of those "experts" I've never quite seen eye-to-eye with. And while I agree Spaten Premium has thinned out over the past couple of decades -- probably even gotten hoppier, I still get a good German malt-based character from the beer. Something I never get from any BMC product.

And Beck's, huh? How old is this quote?

 

Good question. Book is from 2015. Spots on web have Beck's US production start in 2012. Who knows when that chapter of the book was written though (besides the author ). Anyway, it's not an opinion I share.

 

Thanks. Still had time to correct.

 

I haven’t had one in a while, but looking at my review from four years back, I actually thought it had a light feel to it (though it’s unclear if I meant that in general or for style, likely the gurner). Parsing some more, I think it might have run a bit hoppy for the style, which might jive with your “crafty” impression.

It isn’t one of their lager series that I tend to buy, but I might have to grab a pour next time I see it to refresh my memory.

 

I associate you with the brewery (as a fan/drinker/consumer) so I thought you might find my take odd, poor or interesting. I also found it a bit hoppy, but in calling it craft beer-y, I meant that in every possible way (short of adding ingredients or process for flavoring) - which isn't a knock, but does make it feel like it is coming from a very different place than imports that can be subtle or refined in comparison.

 

Thought I'd give another P3 lager a try -- P3 Helles.



16 ounce can poured into my tall Becher. Best by 10-11-23.

L -- Clear gold with a sticky, white head that leaves nice lacing. 4.5

S -- Strong herbal hops, light citrus back. 2.5

T -- Grainy to doughy malts in first taste, blends into light lemon zest and finishes with bitter, herbal, earthy hops that are near-to solvent. The bitterness carries through to the aftertaste. 2.75

F -- Soft to dry mouthfeel with a light-medium body. 3.5

O -- Well... this is a terrific Northern German Pils -- almost Czech, but no Munich (or German-style) Helles. Just far too much hop aroma, flavor, and bitterness. It's well-made and easy enough to drink, but I can't give it points to-style. 3.5

 

Homage x Lasita collab( a pilipino restaurant) Helles

Been an interesting few days

shout out @Braunmeister_1943 and @russpowell for the Drinkin a La Resistance style
Let's gooooo

 

Jack's Abby House Lager Helles, 5.2% - the hills are alive, with the taste of Helles!



-Look: Crystal clear yellow with a stark-white fluffy head.
-Aroma: Nice floral grassy hops and mild saltine cracker.
-Taste: Delicious cracker and bread malts, with grassy hops.
-Feel: Starts thin and expands to full, round, and soft. So smooth.
-Overall: Very good Helles that should please any beer lover!

 

Enjoying a delicious House Lager on this beautiful day! Cheers!

 

Damn -- this thread is alive!

I'm drinking a Hacker-Pschorr Helles today and I was thinking how fresh and delicious it's tasting.

Best by 06-2023.

On sale locally -- I think I'll head out for more!

@grantcty

 

A cold one on a hot fuckin day