Helles facts for kids
.jpg)
Helles (pronounced HELL-ess) is a classic German pale lager beer. It is mostly made in Southern Germany, especially in the city of Munich. The German word hell means "bright," "light," or "pale." Think of it as a light-colored, refreshing drink.
Contents
What Does Helles Beer Taste Like?
Helles beers are usually full-bodied, meaning they feel rich in your mouth. They are mildly sweet and have a light color. They also have a low bitterness compared to some other beers.
This beer is made clear by filtering it before it goes into bottles. However, some restaurants and breweries might offer an unfiltered version. Munich-style helles is a yellow beer. It's made using a cool fermentation process with a special yeast called Saccharomyces pastorianus. It also uses hops like Hallertau hops to give it flavor. Helles usually has between 4.5% and 6% alcohol by volume, which tells you how strong it is. It has less of a strong hop taste than pilsner beers.
The History of Helles Beer
Until the 1960s, Helles was very common in German-speaking areas. Over time, another type of beer called pilsner became more popular. This was partly because people started buying more bottled beer instead of draft beer.
However, Helles is now becoming popular again in many places outside of Southern Germany. For example, in Berlin, its traditional style has become quite trendy.
Where is Helles Beer Popular?
Helles is still very popular in the southern German regions of Bavaria, Franconia, and Baden-Württemberg. People might call it by different names, such as Helles, Spezial, Landbier, "Munich lager," or "export." There isn't a big difference between "lager" and "export" types of Helles. However, "export" versions are sometimes a bit stronger, around 5.5% ABV, to help them last longer.
Examples of Helles Beer
- Andechser Hell
- Augustiner Bräu Lagerbier Hell
- Ayinger Lager Hell
- Dinkelacker Hell
- Hacker-Pschorr Münchner Helles
- Hofbräu München Original
- Kichesippi Beer Co. Heller Highwater
- Löwenbräu Original
- Nashville Brewing Company's Nashville Original Lager
- Paulaner Münchner Hell
- Spaten Premium Lager
- Tegernseer Hell
- Weihenstephaner Original
- Ølsnedkeren Sikkert og vist
- Penn Brewery Gold
- Tonewood Brewing Lumberyard
See also
In Spanish: Helles para niños
