Judge’s Review: 95 Rating – Andechser Hell by Kloster Andechs

Munich Helles | Year-Round | Germany

By Dan Martich

Judges Rating: 95
Aroma: 23
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 39
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 20

Andechser Hell by Kloster Andechs was evaluated as a Munich Helles (Category 4A) per the 2021 BJCP Style guidelines. 
 Moderate aromas of bready, doughy, melanoidin malt, with a very faint spicy hop presence are present and provide a very welcoming and inviting aroma indeed. This beer also features a very clean profile, one that is absent of sulfur.
The beer poured a crystal-clear yellow straw color, with a thick white head crowning the glass, and many tiny bubbles were seen floating to the top, which is indicative of the carbonation and viscosity of this beer.
The moderate flavor is malty, and has the white cracker profile that the use of pilsner malt delivers, though there’s also a tiny bit of honey character. The breadiness found in the aroma is pleasantly firm, as if the beer was made with a decoction step, or perhaps the addition of melanoidin malt to intensify the malts. A sweet flavor accompanied by the spicy hops puts the beer on point with the style. The beer finishes softly in both the finish and bitterness, welcoming another sip.
This is a medium-light bodied beer with a medium-high carbonation and smooth mouthfeel.
This is an excellent example of the Munich Helles style. This sample is fresh, as noted from the malt notes in the flavor. I can’t help but recall a similar sample enjoyed in Frankfurt itself at the former BrauStil.