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Glossary

Munich Helles

Style Snapshot

This roundly malty lager is pale to dark straw in color, is medium-bodied, is moderately strong, and is malty without being overly sweet as the hops are always present for a balancing bitterness.

Munich Helles, though a light lager, is not related at all to the Pilsener style. However, it is a lighter version of Munich Dunkel.

History

Literally translated from German, 'Helles' means 'light', which refers to the pale color of the beer. It is also known as Munich Pale Lager. This style was created by Gabriel Sedlmayr in 1895 at the Spaten brewery to compete with Pilsener-style beers. It retains its Bavarian roots and is brewed primarily in and around Munich, Germany.

Style Parameters

Original Gravity (OG):		1.041 - 1.053
Final Gravity (FG):		1.010 - 1.015
Strength (ABV):		4.6 - 5.5
Bitterness (IBU):		18 - 25
Color (SRM):		3 - 5

Compare this beer style's parameters to others

Serving This Style

Suggested serving temperature: 42 - 48 F

Examples to Try

Augustiner Munchener Hell
Hacker Pschorr Munich Edelhell
Pete's Wicked Helles Lager
Spaten Premium Lager

Related Styles

American Light Lager
American Premium Lager
Dortmunder Export
Dry Lager
Munich Helles