Beer Talk

Helles Lager

Published March 2013, Volume 34, Number 1

Rivertown Brewing Co.

Cincinnati, OH

Our Helles Lager is a true symbol of our German heritage. A rich, crisp, full-flavored, Bavarian-style lager brewed with imported German barley and hops. Best served at 38 degrees F in a tall pilsner glass.

ABV: 5.1

ABW: 4.0

Color: 3.9

Bitterness: 18

ORIGINAL GRAVITY:  1050

Availability: IN, KY, OH, TN

  • Charles Finkel

    Helles is German for light, appropriately named. Bright yellow ale with greenish tinge. Scant head with faint nose. Brewed with German malt, the flavor and mouthfeel are round and balanced with a little acidity at the back of the palate. Fruity bouquet notes. Recommended with organic radishes and truffle salt, freshly baked pretzels and chicken or duck roasted on a spit.

  • Charlie Papazian

    A classic American made German-style helles. Crystal clear golden brew with a head that dissipates; easier to find your way to the beer. It has the sweet malty aroma and flavor of a traditional style of Bavarian beer. Rivertown’s helles is as good as any modern German helles brewed by the most popular German breweries. It lacks the hop personality and yeast character of small, countryside-brewed Bavarian helles I usually seek, but if you’re looking for a taste of German helles, this is one worth seeking. Best enjoyed half or a full liter at a time under the shade of a chestnut tree.

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