Helles beers are a type of pale lager that usually come in a light or bright golden colour. They have a subtle, restrained flavour that makes them popular among many beer lovers. Like all lagers, Helles beers are clean and refreshing. Thus, they are the perfect drink for a scorching hot day.
Helles beers have a slight malt sweetness that is soft and bread-like. This malty flavour is then balanced by a light bitterness and spicy hops flavour.
At House of Amber Nectar, we carry popular brands of Helles beer such as Hofbräu München and Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier.
Difference between helles and pilsner
Helles beer is a relatively young lager that was created by Bavarian brewers. In the late 19th century, these brewers developed this beer with the hopes of competing against the well-loved Czech pilsner*.
While both the pilsner and helles are pale lagers, the helles is typically less bitter than the pilsner. It is also fuller-bodied and maltier than its pilsner counterpart.
*The Czech pilsner is 1 of the 4 styles of pilsner beers. It has more foam and a lighter flavour as compared to the other styles of pilsners.