Sixpoint: Alpenflo Helles Lager

Well, from a beer style guideline perspective that may be the case but that does not mean that breweries in Germany do not have these sorts of 'issues'. Perhaps when it comes to German brewed beers and diacetyl beauty is in the eye of the beholder?

From a beer style guideline perspective (and folks drinking in the Czech Republic) this is indeed the case. Personally I prefer the Czech Pilsners that have lower values of diacetyl but that is a personal preference sort of thing.

Cheers!

 

I know Solid Gold is an AAL (and I have no problem drinking decent AALs) - that's the taste category I would put this 6 pack of Alpenflo in.

 

It could have simply been an older case. I think this was from the original release in the spring that had been on store shelves through the Summer, and came before this recent release.

 

I've heard some people actually do prefer hints of diacetyl. I've picked it up in Pilsner Urquell in the past (likely older batches too), and I don't mind it. I don't know if I'd go so far as to say I'd prefer it.

I've never detected it in my favorite German imports...assuming they're fresh and in good condition. Although I can't recall really picking it up in German imports in general, but I've been drinking for many years! Memory gets fuzzy...

Ha, wow, if that's the case then you really didn't like Alpenflo huh?

 

If there wasn't 20 pages of hype I wouldn't be so disappointed but I was expecting the all time great American Helles. It's fine as a fizzy easy drinking lager but not something to reach for if you want a soft malty Helles. So it's either "we're mad scientists, we don't brew to style!" or a production problem.

 

Shocked to hear your perceptions on this beer based on your feelings for Sixpoint. I know for a fact when this stuff first came out and you expressed challenges in getting it that multiple people at the brewery and beyond offered to get this stuff in your hands and you never followed through. Shane probably would have delievered it to your residence and poured it directly into your mouth if given the chance. And if there were any production problems, Sixpoint would have gone above and beyond to make things right. To be crying about this months later is insincere.

 

Yeah and "hype" is a pretty strong word for Alpenflo. It was well received and praised, sure, but I don't see anywhere where it was anywhere near a truly hyped beer like their "Smoothie" or "Beans" releases they've had.

I can see where he's coming from though. Having massive expectations for something when you've seen people sing praise, it can easily lead to a big let down. Once you have that perception of greatness it's really difficult for anything to live up to it. Regardless, it's probably still my favorite American-made helles though, up there with Von Trapp.

 

I think your mouth is off, or the beer is. There isn't, to my knowledge or experience, a better American made Helles. And there are many good one made by breweries who specialize in German/Euro lager beer (Victory, Slyfox, Von Trapp, etc.).

 

My mouth knows a Helles. As I said before i don't seem like the only one here who is not impressed. Almost everyone has reported it's too carbonated. It could totally be a bad batch, not out of the question with contract brewing.

Have you had Jack's Abby House Lager? These beers don't taste like they are in the same ballpark. It reminded me of Camden Helles which is marketed as a helles pilsner combination. That was another regretted purchase.

 

Yep, have had Jack Abby's House. Made the mistake of buying 4 six-packs of it in one purchase. Found it to be pretty unremarkable, but I liked the softness of it.

Alpenflo has a tamed carbonation. I have rifled through about 60 of them. I would bet my balls it was a bad batch

 

Unremarkable? Ok. Then it's my turn to question your mouth, so we'll leave it at that.

 

Of course. In the end we like what we like. But consensus rates Alpenflo as "Exceptional" and House Lager as "Very Good"

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Rock and roll never forgets,

Androo

 

I’ll have to look back at the specifics about how I felt, but my perception was somewhat in line with yours, albeit a bit more forgiving.

 

If there’s one style(s) I put zero faith in the ratings for in this site, it’s pale lagers.

That being said, I don’t care for House Lager either. Although I’d put it over Alpenflo, with the caveat that I’ve drank far more House Lager than Alpenflo.

 

Pale lager ratings are generally low, but the space and ratings between beers hasn't really steered me wrong. I just bump the overall rating up.

 

I think Alpenflo is significantly better than House Lager. I’m not a fan of JA’s pale lagers, I’m not sure if it’s the malt but I just think it tastes kind of bland.

Their darker lagers are excellent, so I think it’s just their Pilsner malt.

 

Oh totally, but I was referring to this website in general. I'm not speaking about anyone specific, but I think the large majority of members are less knowledgable about the more subtle styles.

I have a small subset of very knowledgable users I go to for recommendations on German styles.

Have you tried their seasonal, Sunny Ridge? It can be a bit inconsistent some years, but for the most part it's delicious. Great Pils malt profile.

 

I actually had a similar experience. Here's a portion of my review:

 

Similarly I have 4 or 5 members whose opinions on lager I trust, but not as much as I trust my own

I bought a sixer of Sunny Ridge. I enjoyed it enough, but it lacked that little bite or stank that I want from a pils. I will still buy it again because it was effortlessly drinkable.

I really want to love Jacks Abbey, as I think we are looking at a bleak future for style variety in the US, but there is something distinctly "German" missing from their flavor profiles that makes me more often than not go to the other side of the aisle and buy less than fresh imports.

For me, their greatest beers are Fire in the Ham and Mass Rising. Red Tape and Copper Legend left me disinterested. I like Smoke & Dagger, but would appreciate a touch more smoke