What the Hell Is a Helles?

Hey even though we act like it, we admit, we don’t know everything. And one thing that’s cool to know more about is the kind of beer that you’re drinking. Every beer style has its own back-story, a hometown and a reason why it came about. It’s all part of a beer’s DNA and we think it can matter.

So welcome to another in our ongoing series (Drum roll please…) “What the Hell Is a Helles?” 

 The Basics:

Well, first and foremost, It’s a lager….but a unique and distinctive one. The Helles-style Lager was originally developed around Munich in the late nineteenth century by Bavarian brewers as competition to the hugely popular Czech Pilsener. The Germans feared they we’re losing their beer “cred” to the crisp and clean lagers from bohemia (that we commonly call Pilsners in the states) and the Helles Lager was their answer. Although both beers can share a spicy hop bitterness that many associate with the classic Pils, traditionally the Helles is a bit breadier and exerts more malt-forward characteristics than does its Czech rival. Sometimes referred to as a “Munich Helles Lager,” this classic beer is medium-bodied, pours heady and has a striking golden color. 

Relatively young by brewing standards, the “Helles” (which means “bright” in German) Lager was championed by and evolved out of the Spaten Brewery’s marriage of British, Bohemian and German brewing techniques and made its debut in 1894. The Helles Lager is an integral part of brewing history and a predecessor to the golden lagers that are so widely consumed around the world today.

Helles Style Beers We Like and You Might Want to Try:

Schlafly Summer Lager – (Saint Louis, MO) – Schlafly Brewing’s summertime seasonal is a wonderful craft beer take on the Helles style and a great place to start”

Victory Helles Lager – (Downingtown, PA) – Victory understands lagers better than many craft breweries. This is one their finest and it’s available year-round.”

Hangar 24 Helles Lager -Redlands, CA – Both delicate and traditional, Hangar 24’s brilliantly clear Munich-style lager has a light, malty sweetness and a crisp, clean finish.

Our Take:

Nothing says summer like craft beer’s golden lagers – so many of which are decedents and variations of Munich’s Helles. It’s a flavorful yet refreshingly uncomplicated style – and one of the world’s most common and popular beers. Inherently sessionable due to its relatively low ABV, these lagers lend themselves to early afternoon and hot weather drinking. The Helles Lager, is what we call a classic “lawnmower” beer – the perfect addition to a hot summer day of working in the yard and a vacation standard built for drinking many!