Beer Stats

• Container:    12 Oz. Bottle
• ABV:              5.5%
• Style:             Munich Helles Lager
• Brewer:  Hacker Pschorr
• Ratebeer: 3.0 of 5
• Beer Advocate: 3.7 of 5
• Untapped:  3.5 of 5

LUDB Notes:

• Bitterness Level:  Low
• Drinkability:
  • Would I purchase again?  Yes
  • Would I stock it?  Yes
• Comments: Well balanced, crisp and refreshing.  Traditional Munich Helles

I’ve decided to be a little more purposeful in my reviews than I have been.  I  started, honestly, on the side of randomness; but I decided to work my way through  beer styles by region.  For those interested, you can now follow my journey as I do so.

Where would the best place to start?  Well, we all know that Germans know beer, so a great place to start is Bavarian beers.  In particular, I am starting with Munich Helles Lagers.  Now I have to make a confession here.  It’s mid-August and a big part of my decision is based on the fact that Oktoberfest is on the horizon.  So, I plan the Oktoberfest styles at just the right time.  Also, as a preview, I will be writing in the near future about a North Georgia phenomenon, the little town of Helen, GA.  More on that in October.

My initial foray into German beers is familiar to most serious beer drinkers – Hacker Pschorr Munchner Gold Lager.  Munchner Gold is a Munich Helles Lager.  The Spaten brewery in Germany is credited with creating this style in 1894.  This style is characterized by a pale colored beer with a malt lean.  Don’t expect an abrupt bitterness from a Munich Helles.  Hops used in Munich Helles is in the Noble hops family.  Classic Hallertauer Mittlefruh, Tettnang, Spalt, and Saaz hops varieties are expected.  These hops varieties are not there to add bitterness, but floral and spicy aromas and flavors.  The results are an easy drinking, well balanced Lager that is suitable for many occasions.

Now to a review of Hacker Pschorr Muncher Gold.  “Helles” means pale in German, so it is no surprise it pours a clear, pale yellow color which is quite inviting.  After developing a nice fluffy white head with fast rising bubbles, it moderately dissipates into liquid.  The accompanying aromas are floral hops and bready malts.  The hops are restrained, lending it to a sweeter, bready malt lean.  This Lager exhibits a thin, soft mouth feel with medium carbonation.  The finish is short and crisp. No lingering aftertastes.  Exactly what you would expect from a traditional Munich Helles.

Hacker Pschorr Muncher Gold is an excellent representation of the Munich Helles style Lager.  It is balanced, has low bitterness,  and finish crisp and clean.

Bottom line:  This Lager is very drinkable and a solid selection for most food pairings.  For someone looking to try a very traditional German Munich Helles Lager, Hacker Pschorr Muncher Gold is an excellent choice.  Additionally, it is a good choice for an individual who is avoiding highly bitter styles.

Until next time..Let Us Drink Beer!