Heads of Noosa have brewed Helles as a limited release for spring. To be honest, I’m surprised it’s taken them this long to bring out a helles… and I won’t be surprised if it wins enough fans to be brought back for good.
This is one of those beers that’s just a joy to look at: stark white foam sitting on top of gleaming gold liquid that’s clear as glass.* Unfortunately I didn’t have a stein like in this video, but believe me when I say I gazed at this beer for a while before I remembered I was supposed to taste it, too.
Thankfully, its beauty ran deeper than just appearances. It’s a straightforward drinker in one sense – a Munich helles isn’t supposed to be too fancy – but hiding beneath the surface is a nice dose of carapils, giving a rounded mouthfeel and caramelised malt character for an extra layer of flavour. So you’re sipping away at what is a very refreshing lager, with that bready sweetness you want from a good helles, and eventually you notice the taste evolving as you drink. By the time you’re into the aftertaste, it’s left this custardy bread and butter pudding in your mouth. Wunderbar.
Mick Wüst
* I almost said it’s crystal clear, but honestly it's clearer than most crystals I've seen. Where y’all hiding your clear crystals?
Published September 2, 2024 2024-09-02 00:00:00
