Munich Helles
- Recipes:
- 3,057
- BJCP 2021:
- 04A
- Era:
- Traditional
- Origin:
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- Fermentation:
- Bottom
- Conditioning:
- Lagered
- Color:
- Pale
- Strength:
- Normal
- Taste:
- Malty
Profile
Munich Helles is a classic German lager that is both refreshing and smooth, renowned for its balance and drinkability. This beer style emerged in Munich in the late 19th century as a response to the growing popularity of lighter Pilsner beers. Striking a delicate balance between malty sweetness and hoppiness, Munich Helles offers beer drinkers an approachable yet flavorful option.
It presents itself clear, pale gold to deep gold color with a creamy white head that leaves behind elegant lacing as it recedes. The beer's brilliance is achieved through careful lagering, which allows any yeast or protein haze to settle out, giving it remarkable clarity. The flavor profile of this style is defined by its malt character; gentle malt sweetness coupled with lightly toasted or bread-like notes makes up the bulk of the taste experience. Balanced against this are subtle spicy or floral hop flavors that provide just enough bitterness to create a harmonious finish without overwhelming the palate. The aroma follows suit with muted hop notes and a prevalent clean malt scent often reminiscent of fresh bread dough.
Specifications
Alcohol
Specification
4.7 – 5.4 %
In Database
4.3 < 5.0 < 5.8 %
Bitterness
Specification
16 – 22 IBU
In Database
14 < 19 < 24 IBU
Color
Specification
6 – 10 EBC
3 – 5 SRM
In Database
5 < 8 < 11 EBC
3 < 4 < 5 SRM
Original Extract
Specification
10.9 – 11.9 °P
1.044 – 1.048 OG
In Database
10.4 < 11.9 < 14.2 °P
1.042 < 1.048 < 1.058 OG
Final Gravity
Specification
1.5 – 3.1 °P
1.006 – 1.012 FG
In Database
1.3 < 2.8 < 4.2 °P
1.005 < 1.011 < 1.016 FG
