Samuel Adams Fresh as Helles

Aroma: “Almost dried fruit (raisin-like) esters that dissipate as it warms. Sweet malt aromas of biscuit and bread. Retronasal brings a bright citrus punch and a few other esters.” Flavor: “Moderate biscuit and subtle bread-like malt flavors. Low noble hops flavors that are much in the background. Slightly sticky mouth-coating finish that is more malt than hops. The citrus hops add an unexpected complexity.” Overall: “Somewhat muddled. Missing the crisp refreshing character of a Pilsner.”

Aroma: “Pleasant spicy noble hops aroma. Pilsner malt and light toast mingle. Not entirely German, but in that ballpark (or Fußballplatz).” Flavor: “Light spicy hops flavor with a touch of wood and bready malt. There’s a light bitterness, but a touch more would increase the crispness. Nice dry finish.” Overall: “Nice malt flavors. Clean, dry finish. Great balance of hops bitterness. Extremely drinkable. Light and refreshing but still full of flavor. It’s a winner.”

__Aroma:__ “Orange, lime, pineapple, mango, bready, with some grassy notes and very subtle floral notes. Medium light toasted malt and a slight soapy character.” __Flavor:__ “Very high carb makes this one dance on your palate, but it also makes the beer come across as mineraly, almost Pilsner-like. Big fruity punch from the hops with just a touch of grainy sweetness to almost balance things out. Finishes with a smooth bitterness and a slightly sweet coating sensation. The aftertaste is of PNW forests after the rain.” __Overall:__ “The carb and body bring a new twist to this style, but it’s a fairly simplistic beer without a lot of hops aroma or flavors and what’s there is more Old School hops selection. It has some nice malt flavor and a clean bitter finish. It’s light and refreshing but just a bit basic.”