Smoked Helles is a crisp and light lager with a distinctive beechwood smoke character. This unique beer style is made with Weyermann beechwood-smoked malt, which comprises 40% of the grist, while the rest is standard pilsner malt. The beer is hopped with noble hops and fermented to dryness using a house lager strain.
What to Expect from Smoked Helles
For those who already appreciate smoked beers, Smoked Helles is a treat. The aroma is smoke-forward, reminiscent of smoked ham due to the beechwood used. The flavor profile is clean and crisp, with a savory smoke that persists from start to finish. The hop bitterness is low, resulting in a very clean and lightly sweet finish.
It's important to note that the smoke character can be quite surprising for those who are not already fans of smoked beers. However, given time, it might just grow on you, as it did for many of us.
The Taste of Helles Beer
German-style helles is a malt-accented lager that offers a perfect balance between a pleasant malt sweetness and body, floral noble hops, and restrained bitterness. It is a beer for true beer lovers, showcasing restraint, subtlety, and drinkability. This enduring style is often challenging for craft brewers to recreate, but when done right, it is a rewarding and worthwhile endeavor.
The German helles lager is typically golden in color, giving it the name pale. It has a fuller body compared to light lagers and all-malt pilsners. The touch of sweetness in helles lagers balances the spicy German hop flavor and light bitterness. The malt character is soft and bready, making it an excellent complement to light dishes like salads or fresh shellfish.
With its clean and crisp profile, helles beer is incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day. While it pairs well with a variety of foods, it is primarily designed for refreshment. Craft breweries have embraced this classic German beer style, offering their own takes on it. Some stick to the German tradition, using German malts, hops, and controlled fermentation. Others add an American twist, incorporating American hops and packaging the beer in convenient aluminum cans.
Discovering Your New Favorite German Helles
If you're eager to explore the world of German helles beers, we have an interactive find a brewery map to help you discover breweries and brewpubs near you. This map allows you to search by location, state, or specific brewery, making it easier to find your next favorite helles beer.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to taste and appreciate this beer brewed for beer lovers. Seek out a brewery near you that offers helles beer on tap and experience the delight of this classic German style. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on all things German beer and receive valuable insights delivered directly to your inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Smoked Helles unique?
Smoked Helles stands out due to its beechwood smoke character. The use of Weyermann beechwood-smoked malt contributes to its distinctive flavor profile.
Is Smoked Helles suitable for non-smoked beer drinkers?
While the smoke character may be surprising for those who aren't fans of smoked beers, it's worth giving Smoked Helles a try. The flavor might grow on you over time.
What food pairs well with helles beer?
Helles beer complements light dishes such as salads and fresh shellfish, like clams. Its soft and bready malt character makes it an excellent choice for various food pairings.
Is helles beer refreshing?
Absolutely! Helles beer is known for its clean and crisp profile, making it incredibly refreshing, especially on hot days.
Smoked Helles is a unique twist on the classic German helles beer. Its beechwood smoke character sets it apart and adds a savory element to the clean and crisp lager profile. Whether you're already a fan of smoked beers or open to new experiences, Smoked Helles is worth a try. With its balanced malt sweetness, floral hops, and restrained bitterness, the German-style helles beer is a favorite among beer lovers. Its versatility in food pairings and refreshing nature make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Explore your local breweries to discover your new favorite helles beer and embrace the simple pleasures of this enduring style.
If you want to know other articles similar to Smoked helles: a unique twist on a classic german beer you can visit the Breweries category.
Related Articles