Hofbräuhaus is launching it's Helles to the US. https://hofbrauhausimport.us/beer/hofbrauhaus-helles/ Per the Hofbräu USA facebook announcement: We’re proud to announce the U.S. debut of our iconic Hofbräuhaus Helles Lager – already a favorite across Germany and Europe. Brewed in Munich and in accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516, this golden, bottom-fermented classic features a fine-pored head and a smooth, balanced flavor. Expect subtle aromas of honey and citrus with a gentle hop finish. At 4.9% ABV, it’s a refreshing choice year-round. And the vintage-inspired can? A nod to our 1950s labels. The featured HB ‘Schutzmarke’ logo is one of Munich’s oldest registered trademarks dating back to 1879. The name pays tribute to our legendary Hofbräuhaus in the heart of Munich. Now available year-round in 16.9 oz can 4-packs – a true taste of tradition, wrapped in retro style. Taste it! For those wondering... Somebody on Facebook had asked the difference between this and the "Original", and this was their response: "Hofbräuhaus Helles Lager has less ABV and IBU, and is more malt forward than our Original. We also use a different malt than for the HB Original brewing process. The aroma palette has a crisp hint of citrus and honey. You should do a tasting and compare the two, both amazing brews, but very different." Looking forward to finding this one when it hits my area!
Will try. I hope it's not an example of if it aint broke don't fix it. HB Original is already a quintessential helles lager. I'm sure it will be fine.
I'd love to do a comparison of the Original and the Helles when fairly fresh but the odds are pretty slim of that happening. However, I'll be looking out for the Helles if it hits my market.
"Hofbräuhaus Helles Lager has less ABV and IBU, and is more malt forward than our Original. We also use a different malt than for the HB Original brewing process. The aroma palette has a crisp hint of citrus and honey. You should do a tasting and compare the two, both amazing brews, but very different." It sounds like this new product was made to compete with the new Helles that Weihenstephaner came out with a few years ago. The new Weihenstephaner Helles is at 4.8% ABV as compared to the Weihenstephaner Original at 5.1% ABV. Also, the new Weihenstephaner Helles is described as being a ‘session’ Helles with increased drinkability. Prost!
Did they really misspell palate in their response? Oy. FWIW -- they list Pilsner malt as the only malt used in this "new" beer (is it, or isn't it the HB Vollbier? Different ABV, same label ) And, what happened to HB 3.3? Hmm.
Yeah, I'm in a smallish town market and the imports don't sell very well here. I see the Weihenstephan Original and Hefe, but not much HB stuff except the Oktoberfest. Haven't seen the Weihenstephan Helles yet.
Hi all, my first post! Just picked up a plastic wrapped 4 pack of tall cans at Wegmans on East Ave. Brewed 1-17-2025 at 20:40. It was warm so I won't try it until tomorrow at the earliest but they are out there in the wild.
I'm a fan of the brewery, but not a fan of this beer. It shares some DNA with Original, but compared to that beer, it has a fuller body and it's fruitier. It lacks structure. It shockingly tastes a little oxidized to me. That fruitiness has an apple juice quality I get from old beers. Canned in January. Keep in mind my bias - HB Original is one of my favorite beers. Please don't count it out based on my opinion. Try it with an open mind if you're curious. This is my impression after only the first can of a 4 pack. Even though I like Original MUCH more than this, I still feel like these two beers aren't differentiated enough to justify this new brand.
I also find these new beers difficult to understand. You have breweries who already have a Helles, often regarded as archetypal, but for historical reasons is no longer called that, and then they introduce another one? Why?
I can't answer your question as regards Hofbrauhaus but for Weihenstephaner they created their 'new' Helles to create a beer with increased drinkability (e.g., easier drinking). Below is a video including the head brewer, Tobias Zollo, where he details why they decided to conduct an infusion mash for their new Helles vs. a decoction mash for the Original. Prost!
