Ask a lager drinker to describe their perfect pint and, whether they realise it or not, they're often describing a Helles. It's one of the world's most quietly influential beer styles, the backbone of Munich's beer halls for well over a century, yet it rarely gets the spotlight that pilsner or IPA enjoys. Here's what Helles actually is, where it comes from, how it compares to pilsner, and how to get the most out of a glass of Purity's own Pure Helles.
What is Helles lager?
Helles (pronounced "hell-es") is a traditional German pale lager, brewed chiefly in southern Germany, particularly Munich and Bavaria. The German word hell translates as "bright," "light" or "pale," which is exactly what the style delivers: a clear, golden-coloured lager with a soft, rounded malt sweetness, gentle hop bitterness, and an easy-drinking character that makes it the default beer at Munich's beer halls and gardens.
Unlike hop-forward styles, Helles puts malt at the centre of the experience. The hops are there to balance, not to dominate, so what you get is a beer that's clean, refreshing and moreish rather than punchy or bitter. It's often described as the everyday beer of Bavaria, the pint people reach for again and again rather than one they seek out for a big flavour hit.
The German origin of Helles
Helles has a relatively short history for a "traditional" style. It was developed in Munich in the late 19th century, largely as a response to the rising popularity of Bohemian pilsner, which was lighter and paler than the dark lagers (Dunkel) that had dominated Bavarian brewing until then. Munich's Spaten brewery is widely credited with pioneering the modern Helles in 1894, giving Bavarian drinkers a pale, crisp alternative that could compete with pilsner while keeping a distinctly Bavarian, malt-led character.
Helles is brewed according to the principles of the Reinheitsgebot, the German Beer Purity Law of 1516, which restricts beer ingredients to water, malted grain, hops and yeast. That heritage matters to the style's identity: no adjuncts, no shortcuts, just those four ingredients handled with precision over a long, cold lagering period. It's this slow, cold fermentation and conditioning process, typically several weeks at low temperatures, that gives Helles its smooth, clean character and helps the malt sweetness come through without any harshness.
Helles lager vs pilsner: what's the difference?
Helles and pilsner are often confused because both are pale, golden, bottom-fermented German-style lagers, but they're built around different priorities.
Bitterness and hop character. Pilsner, particularly the German (Pils) style, is noticeably more bitter and hop-forward, with a crisp, dry finish that puts the hops front and centre. Helles dials the bitterness right back, letting the malt sweetness lead instead.
Body and mouthfeel. Helles tends to have a slightly fuller, softer, more rounded body. Pilsner is typically drier and crisper, with a sharper finish.
Colour. Both are pale golden beers, but Helles is often a touch deeper in colour than a classic pilsner, reflecting its malt-forward character.
Purpose. Pilsner was designed to showcase noble hop character and a refreshing bite. Helles was designed as an approachable, sessionable everyday beer, built for beer-hall drinking, not for savouring hop aroma.
If you find pilsner a little too bitter or dry for your taste, Helles is very likely the style you'll prefer instead.
Purity's Pure Helles: an organic German-style lager, brewed in the UK
Purity's Pure Helles is a 5% ABV, organic, gluten-free lager brewed at our Warwickshire brewery, built to deliver everything a classic Bavarian Helles should. It's brewed in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot, using entirely organic malted barley alongside Pilgrim hops from Worcestershire and a blend of classic noble hops from Bavaria, giving it that clean, bright appearance and underlying malt sweetness the style is known for, with what we'd call an unmistakable Purity character running through it.
Pure Helles started life in 2018 as a limited-run collaboration with Bayreuther Brauhaus, a renowned Bavarian brewery and part of the Maisel's family, before becoming a permanent, award-winning fixture in our range. It's since picked up gold at the International Organic Awards in both 2020 and 2021, and a gold medal at the International Beer Challenge, recognition that reflects just how faithfully it captures the traditional style while being fully organic and gluten-free.
How to serve Helles lager
Getting the most out of a Helles is less about ceremony and more about temperature and glassware.
Temperature: Serve cold but not ice-cold, around 4-6°C. Too cold and you'll mute the malt sweetness that defines the style; a touch warmer than a typical mass-market lager lets the character come through properly.
Glassware: A tall, slender lager glass or a traditional German Seidel (mug) works well. The goal is to preserve a good head, which carries aroma and gives the beer its classic bright, clean appearance.
Pour: Pour firmly down the centre of the glass to build a solid two-finger head, then finish with a gentler pour off to the side. A proper head isn't just presentation, it traps aroma and softens the carbonation on the palate.
Food pairings for Helles lager
Helles' malt-forward, low-bitterness profile makes it one of the most food-friendly lager styles around.
- Bavarian classics: Pretzels, weisswurst, roast pork and sauerkraut are the traditional pairing, and for good reason: the beer's malt sweetness plays beautifully against rich, savoury, salty food.
- Grilled and barbecued food: The clean carbonation and gentle bitterness cut through fat nicely, making Helles a natural match for burgers, sausages and grilled chicken.
- Cheese: Milder cheeses, such as Emmental, Gruyère or a soft brie, work well without overwhelming the beer's delicate character.
- Light, fresh dishes: Because it's not aggressively hoppy or bitter, Helles also sits comfortably alongside salads, seafood and lighter fare where a hop-forward IPA would clash.
FAQ
What does "Helles" mean?
Helles is German for "bright," "light" or "pale," describing the beer's clear, golden appearance.
Is Helles the same as pilsner?
No. Both are pale German-style lagers, but Helles is maltier and less bitter, while pilsner is crisper, drier and more hop-forward.
Is Purity's Pure Helles gluten-free?
Yes. Pure Helles is part of Purity's permanent gluten-free range, alongside being certified organic by the Soil Association.
What's the ABV of Pure Helles?
Pure Helles is 5% ABV.
What food goes with Helles lager?
Bavarian classics like pretzels and sausages, grilled food, mild cheeses, and lighter dishes such as salads all pair well thanks to the beer's low bitterness and malt sweetness.
