by Spaten-Franziskaner-Lowenbrau Gruppe (AB In-Bev)
The Spaten brewery has a history dating back to 1397, but the name really only came into being in 1622 and would grow to become Munich’s largest brewery in the mid nineteenth century. It remaines a significant part of the Munich beer industry and is one of the six official Oktoberfest breweries.
In 1997 Spaten merged with neighbour Lowenbrau, and they were acquired by Interbrew (AB In-Bev) in 2003. It’s about as commercial a beer as you get. But it is still a good beer.
In fact, Spaten Munchner Hell lays claim to being the very first Munich Helles lager ever produced back in 1894. And given the produce the same beer today, they must be doing something right.
Our Helles lager is a clear golden colour with a beautiful white foam that is retained by the endless stream of bubbles coming up through the beer. It is working hard, and helps explain the soft mouthfeel of this beer.
There isn’t much in the aroma, but if you concentrate you’ll find some bready malt and grassy hops. There is a little malt sweetness at the front of this beer, but it is the smoothness on your tongue that is most noticeable. As it progresses, those Noble hops provide a pleasant bitterness with a little tingly finish.
It is just such an easy beer to enjoy, with a lovely balance of malt and hops. You really can just drink pint after pint of this beer and still enjoy each one. Just as intended.
A helles style lager using Hallertauer Mittelfruh and Tradition hops
