Summer beer season is in full swing and one style that should be in the fridge cooling as the temperatures soar is the humble, yet not easy to master, Helles Lager.
And Topa Topa Brewing has a new one out that is sure to satisfy…
Brightly Gleaming
Low and Slow
When Bludso’s BBQ opens near you and by you I mean a brewery, then you do have to collaborate. It’s an L.A. given and if you don’t believe me then read on to this beer description from Santa Monica Brew Works, “pecan wood was chosen for its delicate and slightly nutty flavor characteristics. After spending an afternoon in the smoker, the malt acquired the desired charred & toasted notes.
Yet, despite its smoky character, this beer is not dark – it’s light and easy-drinking. The German word ‘helles’ means ‘pale’ in color – it’s a style defined by a brilliant golden hue and smooth, clean finish. The beer clocks in at a sessionable 4.9% ABV.
The smokiness is soft – not overwhelming. The goal was to enhance the base flavors of the brew rather than mask them. This beer pairs perfectly with food. It’ll go great with barbecue, pizza, and even salad.”
Life is
I haven’t made my way over to Indie Brewing during this lockdown, but since I have been on a Helles kick of late, I may need to go grab one of these, if only because of the name.
Review – Local Source from Eagle Rock Brewery
This natural and plant based collaboration with the Theodore Payne Foundation pours a yellow/orange color. Nice biscuity aroma. Has a nice crispness. I don’t know the (3) specific plants added but I am not really tasting Woolly Blue Curls or California Bay Laurel. I do get a bit of sage. But I don’t know if it screams Black Sage to me. There is a bit of pepper-ish note as well. I sorta wanted it to be bigger and brasher from Eagle Rock.
Wei Helles
The famous Weihenstephaner began selling Helles in Germany. How long until it end up on our shores? And wouldn’t it be great in the summer?
Russian River Day – It Glows
There are cool beer names and then there are really cool beer names and Velvet Glow is the latter. If you are a fan of the STS Pils (you really should be) then you should give this Russian River Helles a try as well.
Take the Lid off
Sly Fox has flipped canning 180 degrees with its 360 Lid. Instead of a tab to a small opening, the 360 Lid let’s you remove the top of the can completely, magically creating an aluminum cup for your Helles. (and later their Pikeland Pils!)
Now how will the foreign owned industrial water lager producers respond?
Hangar 24 + Tony’s Darts Away =
What you see in the glass is the third in the barrel roll series from Hangar 24, Pugachev’s Cobra. It was in attendance last night at Tony’s Darts Away along with a bevy of beers from Redlands.
Joe Savage & Rafael Hurtado from the brewery were in attendance too. Talking to the crowd that grew as the night progressed. (Side note – It has been good to see large turnouts for this and last night’s Library Alehouse FiftyFifty night. Especially in a holiday week)
I started with a sampler tray….
From left to right, you have the winter warmer, Amarillo Pale Ale, Anja and the Helles. I was most surprised by the Helles. It was light and bubbly and filled with grain notes from start to finish. It really tasted fresh and alive. But my favorite of the tray was the Anja, a pro-am Belgian ale that had that light bubbly-ness with some fruit and spice notes and a touch of vanilla. I will order that again.
I did not partake of the Double IPA, yet. I am heading to the brewery itself on Christmas Eve to pick up a bottle or two but I did end the night with a bang. The aforementioned Pugachev. It was thick and viscous. Poured a dark black with an espresso colored head. It was maple syrup sweet at first and then some roasted notes and bourbon crept in to balance. It did not taste like 16.5% alcohol though some aging will probably smooth it out even more. I am glad I have a bottle to store away.
Half Acre + 3 Floyds =
a Helles?
Yes, indeed. I have yet to try Half Acre, but after watching them on HopCast, I really want to sample their line-up. The two 3 Floyds beers that I have had were fantastic so this should make for a great beer.