This German kin to American lagers was born in 1895 at Munich’s Spaten brewery to compete with pilsners. The style’s crafted with Pilsner malt and German hops, yielding a sweet malt smell and malty profile backed up a slight but apparent hop-spice bitterness. They’re more flavorful than standard American lagers to be sure, but still quite light compared to most styles; Helles’ pale colors, carbonation, low alcohol and airy essence give them away as easy-drinking brews.
Pair: Match a Helles with spicy shrimp, fish tacos and salads big and small. These beers won’t overpower lighter greens, and they’ll help cool a spice-wracked palate.