European Pale Lager - Munich Helles

BJCP 02-D

AROMA

Rich with a complex malt and a spicy, floral, Saaz hop bouquet. Moderate diacetyl

APPEARANCE

Medium to deep gold, clear, with a creamy white head.

FLAVOR

Slightly sweet, malty profile. Grain and malt flavors predominate, with just enough hop bitterness to balance. Very slight hop flavor acceptable. Finish and aftertaste remain malty. Clean, no fruitiness or esters.

MOUTH FEEL

Medium body, medium carbonation, smooth maltiness with no trace of astringency

OVERALL

Characterized by rounded maltiness without heaviness.

INGREDIENTS

Moderate carbonate and sulfate water, Pilsner malt, German hop varieties.

COMMENTS

Unlike Pilsner but like its cousin, Munchner Dunkel, Helles is a malt-accentuated beer that is not overly sweet, but rather focuses on malt flavor with underlying hop bitterness in a supporting role.

HISTORY

Created in Munich in 1895 at the Spaten brewery by Gabriel Sedlmayr to compete with Pilsner-style beers.

COMMERCIAL EXAMPLES

Hacker Pschorr Munich Edelhell, Spaten Premium Lager.

VITAL

OG: 1.044-1.055 IBUs: 18-25 FG: 1.012-1.017 SRM: 3-5 ABV: 4.5-5.5%