In a blind tasting by BJCP trained experts, this beer rated

88

New Belgium Brewing Summer Helles

Aroma: “Medium strong spicy hop notes blend with subtle sulfur. Light pils malt background supports everything. Faint toasty sweetness. Yeasty with some papery oxidation and a very mild aroma of lemon zest and grass.”

Flavor: “Faint, soft pils malt and a restrained bitterness complement each other. Lemony and grainy. Some grainy sweetness in the aftertaste keeps it from finishing as clean as it could. Light bitterness and a nice clean lager profile.”

Overall: “A bit too light? The crisp hop bitterness saves this beer from blandness. It’s very pale, making it refreshing for summer drinking, but a bit more body wouldn’t hurt.”

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