BJCP 2021 / 5C
German Helles Exportbier
A bigger, more hoppy helles with a firm bitterness and malt backbone.
- Drink fresh
- standard strength
- pale color
- bottom fermented
- lagered
Serve: 40 to 45F, Pilsner glass or mug
OG1.120
1.050 to 1.058FG1.030
1.008 to 1.015IBU120
20 to 30SRM40
4 to 6ABV14%
5.0 to 6.0%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Bready malt with a pinch of sweetness
- Low floral and spicy hop
- Clean
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Bready malt and a little hop
- Best
- Low to moderate bready malt aroma, low spicy floral hop, clean lager character
Appearance
3 pts- Deep yellow to pale gold
- Brilliantly clear
- White head, good retention
- Vague
- Gold
- Better
- Gold, clear
- Best
- Gold, brilliantly clear, white head that holds well
Flavor
20 pts- Bready malt in the middle
- Moderate hop bitterness and flavor
- Slightly sweet start, firm dry finish
- Vague
- Balanced
- Better
- Bready malt with a firm hop
- Best
- Moderate bready malt with a trace of honey, moderate spicy hop flavor, firm bitterness, dry finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium body
- Medium carbonation
- Smooth
- Vague
- Smooth
- Better
- Medium body, smooth
- Best
- Medium body, smooth, medium carbonation, clean finish
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Malt and hop in balance
Drops it
- Cloying sweetness
- Harsh bitterness
Writing tip
Tell it from Helles by the finish. Example: 'Bready malt with a firm, dry hop finish. More bitterness than a Helles.'
Pour these
- DAB OriginalDortmunder Actien-BrauereiFirm bitterness over bready malt
- Dortmunder GoldGreat Lakes BrewingClean and crisp with a sweet malt finish
- Golden ExportGordon BierschBalanced and clean
Often confused with
- 4A Munich HellesHelles is softer, sweeter and less bitter
- 5D German PilsGerman Pils is lighter in malt and more hoppy
Fine here
- DMS: A trace is tolerated
Ruinous here
- Diacetyl: Butter
- Oxidized: Papery
- Sulfur: Lingering egg notes
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.