Judge’s Review: 94 Rating – pFriem Lager by pFriem Family Brewers

Munich Helles | Year-Round | USA

By James Link

Judges Rating: 94
Aroma: 23
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 18

pFriem Lager by pFriem Family Brewers was evaluated as Style 4A, Munich Helles, per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines. Although submitted using only the appellation “lager,” it clearly manifested all the characteristics of the Munich Helles style.
The aromatics were reminiscent of a sweet, almost honey-like maltiness with bready and floral notes that worked together harmoniously.
This was a good-looking beer that unveiled a brilliantly clear pale-yellow color and was topped off with a persistent white head.
The flavor profile displayed a gentle balance of bready character, which enhanced the maltiness without being cloyingly sweet and was joined by notes of melon and a faint wisp of sulfur.
Medium-bodied and smooth with appropriate levels of alcohol and carbonation as dictated by the style guidelines.
A very clean, refreshing and easy-drinking beer that was not insipid in the least, as other light lagers often can be.