Family Pale Lager Style Continental Lager
Country Germany ABV 5.2%
Producer Spaten-Löwenbräu-Gruppe (InBev)
Price $$ Packaging 12oz/355ml, 16.9oz/500ml bottle
Characteristics Hoppy, refreshing

Overview One of Munich’s oldest breweries (dating back to the 14th century), Spaten and its sister brand Franziskaner, now part of the InBev empire, produce the full range of traditional Bavarian beer styles, from this soft Helles lager to their powerful Optimator doppelbock.

Flavors and aromas Helles lager was Bavaria’s answer to Czech Pilsners, and this is about as traditional a rendition as you’ll find on this side of the Atlantic. The full-bodied pale malt is brightened with plenty of pungent noble hops, but without the bitterness many drinkers associate with Continental lagers. It’s not the easiest beer to find, but this is a style we imagine a lot of lager drinkers could fall in love with.