Helios’ Classic Series has seen the brewery make a Belgian dubbel, an extra special bitter, and a saison, which are now joined by a German pilsner
You can read about the history of the German pils in more detail elsewhere, but it’s the age old story. German breweries make lager. Czech brewery makes lager to compete with German breweries. Czech lager becomes incredibly popular. German breweries copy Czech lager style, but using German ingredients.
(That said, it’s worth pointing out that since Josef Groll, the creator of the Czech pilsner, was Bavarian, most Germans claim the pilsner style as their own anyway.)
Helios’ version is a delight to look upon. The clarity is phenomenal – like looking through a crystal ball and seeing the world distorted to the shape of your glass – and it’s got a bigger head than the froggy neighbours in Rocko’s Modern Life.
When it comes to the drinking, Helios’ German pils is dry and crisp and refreshing, but none of this is code for "low flavour". Unlike more tame commercial versions, this beer has a powerful floral and earthy spice from a healthy dose of Saaz hops, and is more bitter than the old man from Pixar’s Up (before he rediscovers his youthful joy, of course).
This video from Helios shows a real love story between brewer Jake Harrison and his pilsner. If nothing else, watch the video to see Jake poke the beer’s head then lick the foam off his finger. (Thankfully, it stops short of being erotic.)
Mick Wüst
Published January 31, 2023 2023-01-31 00:00:00
