Amundsen Helles Good Lager

Style: Helles lager
Brewery: Amundsen
Origin: Norway
Size: 44cl
Alcohol: 5%
Price: 29kr
Systembolaget: 37142

Amundsen have been at the forefront of Norwegian craft brewing for the past decade and are not stopping anytime soon. When I began holding the Brewery Focus tastings, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I had Amundsen as one of the main breweries. I wanted to show a wide variety of styles that they currently produce, do I thought I would start with their lager. This is a Norwegian pale lager brewed in the traditional “Helles” style, which means “light” in German. The Helles style of beer originated in Munich in the late 19th century, created by Bavarian brewers as a maltier, softer alternative to the popular Czech Pilsner. It is unfiltered and unpasteurised, giving it a slightly fuller mouthfeel compared to heavily filtered lagers. Although Amundsen Bryggeri is best known for bold and experimental styles, this lager has gained appreciation for its crispness, balance, and easy drinkability, and seemed like the perfect place to begin the tasting.

This poured with a very pale golden colour and was topped with a white fluffy head. There was a light grain note in the aroma with a hint of grass that was fresh and inviting. The taste was surprisingly sweet, with the pale malts taking precedent over the white bread and small citrus notes. With a medium body and fairly high carbonation, this coated the palate just enough to leave the mouth dry and crisp after swallowing. The aftertaste was fairly short, with a mild, round mouthfeel that was extremely pleasant.

This might not be the most exciting beers in the world, but it was well-made and true to the style. Crisp, clean and easily chuggable, this is something I would be quite happy to drink again. A refreshing start to the tasting!