Sixpoint: Alpenflo Helles Lager

I agree. Tough to find fresh Spaten Premium (even moreso their terrific Dunkel) but when you do it's pretty much the best beer of all time (especially on-tap, which I only found once @ Haus Murphy's in Glendale, AZ)

 

Sad to report, but I'm pretty sure they aren't exporting that anymore -- if they're even brewing it anymore.

On the other hand, I've been finding pretty fresh Hofbräu Dunkel that's damn good -- even though I'm sure Pasteurization tends to take away some of its fresh goodness.

 

Ah, that's unfortunate yet not surprising. I rarely found 6 packs of it. I usually only saw it in those foil wrapped 500ml bottles and in those Spaten mixed packs with Original Premium and Franziskaner (and maybe one other one?). Not enough dunkels out there unfortunately (not a huge fan of Warsteiner)

 

Hopefully you will keep making the Crisp as I'm not a Helles fan.

 

the Crisp lives on!

 

Man, that must have been a while ago, they haven't used the neck foil in a long time.

The last time I saw one of those packs (they aren't around anymore either) it had the Premium, Franziskaner, and Optimator -- I suppose it could have had the Dunkel too, but the last one I bought was so out of date (no dating on the outside) I never looked at them again.

So, to the point of the thread -- a nice, fresh Munich Helles would fill voids on shelves.

 

This is such a good beer. I wish I didn't have to go out of state to get it. Is there still a PLCB problem with distributing Alpenflo in Pennsylvania? The beer finder on Sixpoint.com doesn't show any distribution yet in PA.

 

I just had Alpenflo side-by-side with Pennsylvania Brewing Company's "Penn Gold", which just won the Gold Medal for Muenchner-Style Helles at the 2018 World Beer Cup. The aromas are very similar although the Alpenflo sourdough-bready aroma is a little stronger than the malt aroma of the Penn Gold, which smells a little sweeter. The similarities and differences carry over into the tastes. Both have a wonderful, bready malt flavor. There's a hint of white grape and honey in both beers, which I enjoy. The Penn Gold finishes sweeter than the Alpenflo, which like the aroma, leans towards a slight sourdough finish. It's worth noting the Penn Gold has a lower ABV at 4.5%. Both are excellent. The sweetness of the Penn Gold is on par with Weihenstephaner "Original" (Helles). Alpenflo is clearly a world class beer and I expect it to be a medal winner too; perhaps at this year's GABF.

 

I have seen posts from folks reporting that they have purchased Alpenflo at PA beer retailers.

FWIW I have not seen Alpenflo at any of my local beer retailers (yet).

Thanks for the side-by-side reporting of Alpenflo and Penn Gold. I was intending to conduct a side-by-side taste test of Alpenflo and Stoudts Gold. Maybe someday in the future?

Cheers!

 

I have been purchasing Alpenflo regularly in NJ. Have not seen it in 3 weeks.

 

Wondering how this stacks up against Sly Fox Helles also (I like Victory's too but it's not the best IMO).

 

Randy (@Ranbot) had a very nice discussion on this topic:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/new-beer-sunday-week-687.569375/page-2#post-5986460

Cheers!

 

I have been drinking both lagers interchangeably at work and they are both equal, the better one would be personal preference.

Both are better than the rest of the local/distro lager field.

 

Oh yeah I will gladly drink either but head to head I prefer SF. And sadly Victory Helles has lost a lot of ground around me and many stores stopped carrying it.

 

I am glad Alpenflo is back and running here in south central jersey. If you are a NJ resident at the shore, Carton "This Town" helles lager is also great. Carton has a bit more citrus bite.

 

When that was first released it was supposed to be distributed in Northern Illinois -- never saw it anywhere.

 

It has been my observation that since Victory sold out to Artisanal Brewing Ventures (ABV) they have been much more ‘focused’ in their Marketing & Sales approach. If a certain brand is not selling well (e.g., Helles) they will produce/distribute less of it and instead ‘double down’ on their top selling brands (e.g., Golden Monkey). The beer scene today for the larger, distributing craft breweries is very competitive now so…

I used to drink a fair bit of draft Victory Helles at Phillies games. That beer used to be always pouring at the Alley Brewing Co. beer garden at Citizens Bank Park. I use the terminology of “used to” since the beer garden was removed for the 2018 season and to the best of my knowledge Victory Helles is not served at other CBP beer venues (I have not seen it on tap).

Cheers!

 

I just noticed something interesting about this beer. Earlier today I put a 12-pack in my regular (food) fridge because there's no room in the beer fridge; and after a couple cans tonight I'd have to say that this beer is better when it's served colder. It's more dialed-in, and the malt sweetness seems a smidge more prominent, just enough to get that balance right where it should be. Even if I do clear some room in the beer fridge soon, this pack is staying where it is .

 

I love what you did with your review updating it with your side by side impressions. Great read. Great beer. Just had it for the first time.

 

Thanks. I've been enjoying trying this against all the other Helles I can find. There's more on my to-try list so I'll keep going.