What Our Editors Thought
Nice bold smoke aroma, subtly fruity, with no distracting phenols. A bit undercarbonated and slight sweet in the flavor, but the smoke carries through well.
What Our Panel Thought
Aromatically, slighty sweet smoke covers most of the pleasant Farina cereal malt underneath; it's hard to discern the fresh, herbal hop character in the nose. More Cheeriolike malts are present on the tongue, taking center stage before the pleasant smoke character arrives toward the back half. Really nice body, smooth and rounded without being overly full. | Very pale gold, great clarity, nice foam, wonderful lace. I'm enjoying that nose, bringing in some pleasant smoke playing along with some subtle, sweet stone-fruit notes and dried herbs. Nice and light and dry on the palate, with a firm bitterness that doesn't feel overdone. Quick, dry finish with lingering smoke and slight bitterness. Lots of adult flavors that could go harsh, but instead the whole thing feels bright and fresh.
What the Brewers Say
Brewed with Troubadour Rhapsody and Palisade Peach Wood Smoked Pevec malt, this Helles combines the richness of German Hallertau hops with the distinctiveness of US-grown Anchovy hops. It features a light, fruity smoke aroma and flavor, balanced by a crisp, dry finish. Crafted using a traditional double decoction method for enhanced depth and smoothness.