Created at Munich’s Spaten brewery in 1895 to compete against popular Pilsner-style beers, Munich Helles Lager is similar to, but has notable differences from, traditional Pilsner. “Helles” means “bright” in German, and this style pours a clear, bright straw yellow to pale-golden color with a creamy white head. Unlike German Pilsners, this German Lager style is more malt-forward in character, exhibiting bready, toasted grain flavors with only a hint of sweetness. Modest Noble hop aroma and flavor may be present in Munich Helles Lager, but bitterness is low, allowing the beer to finish with a clean, malty note and expressing no fruity yeast esters.
Characteristics: Malty, bready, balanced, medium-bodied
ABV range: 4.6-5.5% IBU: 16-23
Popular Munich Helles Lager-style brands: Weihenstephaner Original, Hofbräu Original, Paulaner Original Munich Lager, Spaten Lager, Victory Lager, Stoudts Gold Lager
Serving Temperature: Cool, 46-54°
Cheese Pairing Ideas: Soft, mild cheeses, including Goat (Chèvre), Mozzarella
Food Pairing Ideas: Salads, seafood and pork, in addition to spicy Asian, Cajun and Latin foods
