Friend Beer Sapiens, today we continue talking about a style of beer that we love, and even more so at these temperatures: Helles !
Did you know that this word in German means clarity and brightness? And that is precisely what you will find in a Helles . Let's see it in more detail:
Discover Helles and its unique sensory profile!
In summary, we could say that Helles is a medium to pale yellow German Lager, with a white, creamy and persistent head... that will make your mouth water!
- Helles is a perfectly attenuated beer, meaning its initial sweetness is balanced by a dry, smooth finish on the palate.
- Its malty flavor will remind you of grain and freshly baked bread, while the hops, although in the background, provide a subtle touch without being overbearing.
- The result is a harmonious balance between malty character and an underlying bitterness.
- Its medium body and balanced carbonation make it an easy beer to enjoy.
The secrets of its aroma and irresistible flavors
In the aroma of Helles you will find sweet and pleasant notes of the base malts, enhanced by the subtle spicy, floral or herbal touches of the noble hops. This combination creates a sensation of freshness that blends perfectly with the malts.
Cleanliness is a prominent quality in this style, but a slight tinge of ester- and diacetyl-free DMS is also allowed, giving it a unique character.
The art of its preparation and the key ingredients
To achieve an exceptional Helles , it is essential to use soft water, with low levels of minerals such as calcium, sulfates, carbonates and chlorides.
The malt base is made up of Pilsen type malts, and the hops used are always of the noble type, which provide smoothness, spices, herbs and floral notes. In many cases, a staggered maceration is performed to extract the best flavors.
German Lager yeasts handle a slow, cool fermentation, followed by tank conditioning, resulting in the clean, characteristic Helles sensory profile.
In short, Helles beer is smooth, round, friendly and refreshing. It is the perfect companion to enjoy at any time and occasion. Its drinkability makes it a true icon of German Lagers today. Remember to differentiate it from its predecessor, the German Pils, which although it shares some characteristics, has less maltiness and greater dryness and presence of hops.
Its balance between malts and hops will make you enjoy an incomparable beer experience.
A perfect beer for summer and your meals
What better way to enjoy these months than with a refreshing craft beer? The Helles style is perfect for fighting the heat, but did you know that you can also pair it with delicious dishes to enhance its flavor even more? We tell you how!
For example, you can pair it with summer salads, like a grilled chicken salad with citrus dressing. The malty flavor of the Helles will perfectly complement the fresh and juicy flavors of the salad.
If you prefer something more forceful, try pairing it with grilled seafood, such as shrimp or prawns. Also, don't forget that Helles is a versatile beer that can also be enjoyed with meat dishes. How about a beef cheddar burger? The smoothness of the beer will counteract the intensity of the meat and cheese, creating a harmony of flavors in each bite.
In summary, Helles beer is the perfect companion for your summer meals. Its softness, balance and refreshing character make it a versatile option to pair with a wide variety of dishes. So the next time you enjoy a Helles beer in the summer, try it with your favorite foods and discover how it enhances the flavors of each bite. Cheers and good appetite, friend Beer Sapiens!