Judge’s Review: 94 Rating – HelleSent by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.

Munich Helles | Seasonal | USA

By James Link

Judges Rating: 94
Aroma: 23
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 19

HelleSent by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. was reviewed per style guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program (Revised 2021) under subheading 4A, Munich Helles.
The beer pours with a pale yellow color, brilliantly clear with a medium white head that manifested itself upon initial pour but fell off quickly, which, when combined with its gentle carbonation, suggested a traditional rather than forced carbonation.
A light grainy malt bouquet controlled the aroma profile with a faint wisp of hops unobtrusively in the background.
Although lightly presentedm per the style, the malt character was more prominent and expressed cleanly. Hops take a secondary position at levels that allow the malty graininess to shine.
The body was thin to medium with alcohol levels consistent with the drinkable nature of the Munich helles style.
The brewer captured the essence of the style in a traditional manner without over hopping or the use of New World hops as is the case in many other examples of the style, where brewers try to reinvent the wheel.