Dageraad’s Helleraad

Overview

Dageraad’s Helleraad Review

When Dageraad makes a standard lager, you know it’s not going to turn out like other standard lagers. They could never do that. So what happens when they try to make a Helles—one of the most clean and simple beer styles in the grand rainbow of brewing flavours? The answer, to sum up: more complexity than your average lager…but not a complicated beer to drink.

The just-released Helleraad German Helles pours a clear, light gold with a modest head and minimal retention. It “looks like a beer”, as one of us put it.

On the nose, it is distinctively spicy. In a great way. To accompany, there are vinous (white wine) notes.

On the palate it is light and refreshing, as you’d expect from the style and visual. However, what was interesting was the slightly resiny finish. There are hop oils in there coating one’s tongue, proof that the focus was not all on yeast!

Having said that, Helleraad’s flavour featured a faint earthy/funky note, almost obligatory for a Dageraad offering.

Now, here’s what the brewery said about their beer, for reference.

Helleraad is the next installment in Dageraad’s lager series. Helleraad is our take on classic German Helles beers. It was fermented at 8°, a slower, cooler ferment that gives a cleaner character to the beer, pairing with balanced spice and herbal hop notes. We also took care to use German malts which produce a more nuanced sweetness with a slight nuttiness. It’s a clean, dry lager – the ideal refreshment for hot summer days.

We came fairly close to their diagnosis in our blind-ish tasting, and definitely agree with the spiciness Dageraad describes. It’s a nice beer, even when it’s not hot out yet. The beer was just released, and here’s where to get it:

Helleraad

  • (3.75)
    Appearance
  • (4.25)
    Aroma
  • (3.9)
    Palate
  • (4.25)
    Flavour
  • (4.3)
    Overall Enjoyment
4.1

About This Beverage

  • Colour: Gold
  • Head Size & Retention: Some head, minimal retention
  • Carbonation: Well Carbonated
  • Clarity: Clear
  • Balance: More Hoppy
  • Drinkability: Easy Drinking
  • Enjoyment: I would definitely seek this beer out again
  • Malt Characteristics: Light, Biscuity/Bready
  • Hop Characteristics: Floral, Herbal, Grass, Leaves or Hay
  • Other Flavours/Aroma: Earthy/Funky, Pepper/Spice
  • Palate: Crisp/Dry/Clean, Vinous

Summary

More complexity than your average lager, but not a complicated beer to drink.

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