Helles
What You Need To Know
Helles is a Lager style identified with Munich (it is often referred to as Münchner Helles). The word Helles translates as bright/light and can confusingly be used to refer to any light colored Beer while ordering outside of Munich. The style is lighter in alcohol, body, and hop character than Pilsner while having a mild malt sweetness and crisp, dry finish. Often, many Bavarian Lagers labeled, as Pils are actually much closer to the Helles style as brewing water in the region, rich in minerals, cause heavily hopped Beers to become excessively bitter. While clearly at home in Munich, the style is mimicked in breweries around the globe.
Great Examples of the Style
Hofbräu Munchen, Germany
Augustiner Braü Lagerbier, Germany
Spaten Premium Lager, Germany