Judge’s Review: 87 Rating – Weltenburger Hell by Weltenburger Kloster

Munich Helles | Year-Round | Germany

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 87
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 35
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 15

Weltenburger Hell by Weltenburger Kloster is a Munich Helles and is being evaluated as a Munich Helles (category 4A in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Munich Helles are golden lagers with a moderate pils malt character with a moderate-to-low Noble hop presence throughout.
Weltenburger Hell pours golden in color with excellent clarity and a huge, fluffy white head. The aroma is primarily moderate-light bready and pils malt with light herbal hops and light berry esters. The flavor is similarly bready and pils malt with a hint of herbal hops. Unfortunately, the inevitable flaw of oxidation is starting to affect this sample. The finish is of moderate-light bitterness with just a light pils malt lingering.
Weltenburger Hell is a very good Helles. I have had it fresh many times before and it never disappointed. But, unfortunately, this example is just a little past its prime. Be sure to seek this Helles out when you know that it will be fresh. Prost!