Angela Keller Radical Brewery: A Short Guide to Helles

This page answers common questions about Helles — the classic German pale lager style. The beer described in the product notes is a low-fermentation Helles: a golden, gently hopped lager with bready, malty notes that pairs beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine.

Helles vs Pilsner: what's the difference?

At a glance both are pale lagers, but the distinction comes down to balance and hop character:

• Helles: Originating in Munich, Helles emphasizes malt sweetness, soft bready and biscuity notes, and a mild, rounded German hop presence. It’s generally smoother and less bitter.
• Pilsner: Originating from Bohemia (and popularized in Germany), Pilsners are crisper with a more pronounced, sometimes spicy or floral hop bitterness and higher perceived carbonation.

If you prefer a mellow, malt-forward beer to accompany food, reach for a Helles. If you want a drier, sharper finish, choose a Pilsner.

How do you pronounce "Helles"?

In German, "Helles" is pronounced roughly as HEH-les (two syllables). The initial vowel sounds like the "e" in "bed", and the final "s" is unvoiced. You may also hear it said more simply as HEH-less in casual English usage.

Can you find Helles beer in the UK?

Yes. Helles has become widely available in the UK through a combination of imported German brands and local craft breweries brewing the style. Tips for finding Helles in the UK:

• Specialist bottle shops and online retailers often stock classic German Helles like Augustiner or local interpretations.
• Taprooms and pubs focused on lager styles increasingly include Helles as a sessionable option.
• If freshness matters, check bottling dates and prefer kegs or cans from trusted breweries — lighter lagers show off their subtle malt character best when fresh.

What is Augustiner Helles Lager?

Augustiner Helles is a benchmark Munich Helles from one of Munich’s oldest breweries. It’s known for a clean malt profile, soft carbonation, and an elegant, rounded finish. Tasting notes typically highlight pale bread crust, light honey, and restrained noble-hop spice. If you enjoy classic, balanced lagers, Augustiner is a great reference point.

Does Helles work in tropical climates?

Helles can be enjoyed anywhere, but warm climates pose two main challenges: storage temperature and rapid flavor degradation. Practical advice:

• Keep Helles refrigerated and avoid sunlight — pale lagers are sensitive to heat and light.
• Buy smaller packages (cans or draft) and consume fresh; long transport or shelf time can flatten delicate malt and hop notes.
• Serve chilled but not ice-cold (around 6–8°C / 43–46°F) to allow malt aromas to show.

Food pairing: why Helles suits Mediterranean cuisine

Helles’ soft malt sweetness, light body, and gentle hop bitterness make it an ideal partner for Mediterranean dishes — think grilled seafood, light pasta, fresh salads, and cured meats. Its clean profile refreshes the palate without overpowering delicate flavors.

For a real example that marries Helles with Mediterranean cooking, consider trying — a golden Helles with German hopping and crisp bread-like notes crafted to pair with the region’s cuisine.

Final tips

• When trying Helles for the first time, compare it side-by-side with a Pilsner to appreciate the subtleties.
• Look for trusted German breweries or well-regarded local lagers brewed in the Helles tradition.
• Store and serve properly to experience the style at its best.

Enjoy exploring Helles — it’s a quietly elegant style that rewards attentive drinking and pairs wonderfully with lighter, Mediterranean dishes.