Name: Sam Adams Fresh As Helles
Style: Helles Lager
ABV: 5.4%
IBUs: 18
It's not too often I get beer in the mail unless it's for a trade. However Sam Adams was cool enough to send me a couple of new beers which they just released. The first one I'll be looking at is Fresh As Helles, a Helles Lager made with orange blossom and also one of their new spring seasonals. Why is there a skull on the label? I have no clue; Let's just drink this beer!
Appearance - Fairly clear dark yellow color with a ton of visible carbonation. The head is foamy & quite creamy and the lacing left behind is quite abundant.
Aroma - Pale malts, lager yeasts & citrus hops, mixed in with some mild floral notes and just a hint of orange peel.
Taste - Citrus hops and floral notes upfront with that lager yeastiness and solid pale malt backbone in the middle. In the back, I'm getting some light orange peel notes with a light touch of honey. The aftertaste consists of lager yeasts & some floral and orange peel notes.
For a lager, this is very good! It's got a light body & nice crisp feel and on top of that, the flavor profile is bright without being overwhelming and compliments the overall body quite well. In general, it's just a tasty beer & if you're looking for a good spring seasonal once the world outside thaws, this would be a good beer to start with.
Sam Adams Fresh as Helles - 8.5/10
