Pils vs. Helles: Differences and the ideal Pils glass
Attention beer lovers! In the world of beer, there are a plethora of varieties that vary in taste, color, and brewing method. Two popular beer styles that are often discussed are Pils and Helles. In this blog post, you'll learn more about the characteristic differences between these two types of beer and why the right glass plays a crucial role in enjoying your Pils.
What is Pils Beer?
Let's start with Pilsner beer, also known as Pilsener. This style of beer originates from the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic and is known for its clear, golden hue and distinct hoppy flavor. Pilsner beer is made using a special brewing technique that uses a bottom-fermenting yeast. This technique results in a beer with a more pronounced hop aroma and higher bitterness compared to many other beer styles.
Difference between Helles and Pils
Although Pils and Helles may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences that beer connoisseurs appreciate:
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Flavor profile : Pils is known for its pronounced hop aroma and stronger bitterness. Helles, on the other hand, which means "light" or "bright" in German, offers a more mild flavor profile with less bitterness and a slightly sweet, malty flavor.
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Color and clarity : Both beers have a golden yellow color, but Pils tends to have a clearer and brighter appearance, while Helles can often be a little cloudier.
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Origin : Pils has its roots in Pilsen, Czech Republic, while Helles originally comes from Munich, Germany.
The ideal pilsner glass
The type of glass you serve your beer in plays an important role in enjoying the full flavor experience. Pils beer traditionally uses a slim, tall glass, often called a Pilsner glass. This design has several advantages:
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Focusing the aroma : The narrow design helps to concentrate the aromas and thus enhances the hop aroma of the pilsner.
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Presentation : The tall, slim glass emphasizes the bubbling carbonation and the clear color of the pilsner.
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Temperature control : The slim design allows you to hold the glass by the stem, which prevents the beer from heating up too quickly due to the warmth of your hand.
In summary, both Pils and Helles have their own unique charm and taste. By choosing the right glass, you can ensure that you enjoy your Pils to the fullest. In the next part of this post, we will dive deeper into the world of Helles and introduce some of the best Pils and Helles beers that you should definitely try.
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The fascination of light beer
After having dealt in detail with Pils beer in the first part of our article, we now turn to Helles. This beer, which comes from Munich, is known for its mild and balanced taste. It offers a different, but equally rich, beer experience than Pils.
Characteristics of Helles
Helles, often referred to as the gentler brother of Pils, is characterized by the following properties:
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Malty aroma : In contrast to the hoppy Pils, Helles is characterized by a stronger, malty aroma.
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Milder bitterness : Helles is known for its lower bitterness, making it an excellent entry-level beer for those looking to get into traditional German beers.
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Colour and texture : Helles has a light, golden colour, often a little cloudier than Pils. It offers a pleasantly soft texture in the mouth.
Recommendations for Helles lovers
If you are a fan of Helles or would like to try it, here are some recommendations you shouldn't miss:
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Augustiner Helles : A classic from Munich, known for its balanced and gentle aroma.
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Tegernseer Helles : Another favorite, valued for its freshness and purity.
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Paulaner Original Münchner Hell : This beer is a perfect example of traditional Munich brewing.
The right glass for light drinks
Similar to Pils, the glass also plays a crucial role with Helles. For Helles, a slightly wider glass than the Pilsner glass is recommended in order to fully bring out the malty aroma and support the mild bitterness. A typical Helles glass often has a wider body and a slightly conical shape.
In conclusion, both Pils and Helles offer their own unique qualities and enjoyment. Whether you prefer the strong hop aroma of Pils or the smooth maltiness of Helles, there is a beer to suit every taste. Try both types and find out which beer suits you best!