Heritage Helles by Arches Brewing is being evaluated as a Munich Helles (BJCP 4A). It poured with a burnished golden color, brilliant clarity and a wispy head of white foam. Malt dominates both the nose and the flavor and presents as hay, grain, cereal\ and a hint of toast. Low floral hops are present and the beer is cleanly fermented with off-flavors or esters.

In the flavor, the malt continues its dominance despite moderate hop bitterness. However, after a semi-dry finish, that same herbal bitterness lingers too long into the aftertaste and detracts a bit from high levels of drinkability. No esters in the taste either, but the sweetness of alcohol begins to creep in as consumption is increased... a bit too much for style, in this judge's opinion.

Arches Heritage Helles is quite a tasty beer but maybe not quite to style. The higher level of perceived alcohol and lingering bitterness make it feel more "Americanized" than the delicately crafted German counterparts. Nonetheless, the beer was thoroughly enjoyed.