Idle Hands Craft Ales Helga
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What the brewers say
Helga is our representation of the classic rauchbiers of Bamberg, but with an added twist from the use of cherrywood-smoked malt.
What our panel thought
Aroma is a bit acrid—scorched malt with touches of peat and honey. On the palate, mild smoke blends smoothly with sweet pilsner malt and light, spicy hops. Malt pairs nicely with smoke, like smoked sausage on a Ritz cracker. Creamy finish.
What our editors thought
Light fruitiness punctuates faint smoke in the nose. The sip foregoes lager precision for a lightly sweet, dulled malt character, with notes of orange and lime. The result is a mishmash that doesn’t quite feel intentional.
