Munich Helles

Introduction – by Firkin Ron

The term beer style refers to a broad set of descriptors used to differentiate and categorize types of beers. Descriptors such as color, flavor, strength, ingredients, production method, recipe, history, and origin create the framework for establishing a beer style.

And almost any time you buy a beer, the beer lists its style on the packaging. Why? To provide the buyer with a basic preview and understanding of the beer’s look, smell, taste and drinkability.

Today there are hundreds of documented beer styles. Furthermore, a handful of organizations created their own unique classifications. However, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) provides one of the most commonly used set of style guidelines.

This week’s beer style overview features a style called Munich Helles.

Munich Helles – by Owen Ogletree

In 1894, the Spaten Brewery in Munich became fed up with everyone wanting Pilsners, so Spaten’s skilled brewers created a new pale lager style. Helles means “bright” in German, and Munich Helles beers are pale gold in color with a beautiful sparkle and clarity.

Firkin Ron Fun Fact: The first practical refrigerator was invented by Carl von Linde in Germany in 1873. Refrigeration provided big benefits to German breweries…the first was employed by the Spaten Brewery.

I find it amazing that such a light beer can offer so many clean flavor notes of sweet/grainy malt, honeysuckle, and hints of flowers and spicy herbs from aromatic German hops. With a finish that’s malty, yet slightly dry and bitter from hops, a proper Helles never comes across as overly sweet. This crushable, 4.7-5.4% ABV lager now ranks as the most popular beer style in Bavaria, and young, cloudy, super fresh versions (known as Kellerbier) are also beloved in the area. When I traveled to Munich with Matt Horney, the talented brewer for Old Rail Brewing in Louisiana, he continuously waxed poetic about Helles. Upon his return to Old Rail, he perfected a version of Helles at the brewpub. Who makes an authentic Helles in your area?

Matt Horney (left) and Owen Ogletree (right) in Germany – photo courtesy of Old Rail Brewing

 

 

About Owen Ogletree

Owen is founder/editor of Brewtopia LLC. In addition, he is columnist for Southern Brew News and Beer Connoisseur Magazine, lecturer at Knoxville’s Brewing & Distilling Center, founder/director of the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting and Classic City Brew Fest, and a BJCP National Beer Judge. Owen has also served as a beer judge at the Great American Beer Festival and the Great British Beer Festival.