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Pfungstädter Hell

Judges Ratings 
1 Review
86
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Description 

German for 'bright' or 'golden', Hell is a Bavarian style lager beer that is the perfect balance between malt and hops. This light beer with a smooth finish is meant for easy enjoyment.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.9%
IBUs: 
17
Served at: 
40º F
Hops: 
Hallertau, Elbe Saale
Malts: 
Two-Row Pale
Judges Review 
Tracy Hensley's picture
Judges Rating:
86
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Pfungstadter Hell is a Helles, and was evaluated as a Munich Helles (2015 Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) Category 4A) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style, the main characteristic is balanced malt with restrained European hop character. Pfungstadter Hell displays the needed malt character but lacks hop bitterness. It displays a few technical faults as well.  

At first, pear flowers and a light sweet milled grain aroma with no hints of alcohol, finishing with a slight aroma of buttered corn. Overtime, a low burnt match sulfur character mingles with the center of a freshly baked white bread loaf, drizzled with golden wildflower honey.

Its appearance is appropriate displaying a fluffy white head and a pale gold color. The carbonation slowly rises from the bottom of the glass like sparkling wine.

The flavor has all the positive features of the aroma with the bread note unfortunately taking on a slightly yeasty character: reminiscent of a baguette with a dash of white cracked pepper. The honey from the aroma disappears and the finish seems dry but tastes of corn syrup. Overall, the flavor is straightforward but lacks depth. 

This appropriate to style, medium-bodied Helles feels heavy despite assertively crisp carbonation, which could be smoother and, surprisingly, finishes off-dry.

Overall, Pfungstadter Hell displays quality ingredients. Unfortunately, the sulfur aroma and yeast flavor detracts from the overall drinking pleasure. While a malt-forward example and to style, the minimal hop bitterness causes the finish to be slightly cloying rather than refreshing.

 

Brewery Introduction

The Pfungstädter Brewery was founded in 1831 by Justus Hildebrand. Today the Pfungstädter Brewery is one of the few medium-sized breweries in Germany that is still 100% family owned. For generations, Pfungstädter has stood for sustainability and innovation as well as regional solidarity in South... Read More

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