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.