Nirvana Helles Bavarian Lager

Nirvana Helles Bavarian Lager is an alcohol-free beer from London-based Nirvana Brewery, which specialises in brewing beers with little or no alcohol. Inspired by the traditional Bavarian Helles style, it takes a different approach from the brewery’s PILS Lager, with an emphasis on malt character rather than pronounced hop bitterness.

Having tried Nirvana PILS, I’m interested to see how the Helles compares, particularly whether it delivers the softer, more rounded character associated with this German lager style. I’ll be looking at the balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness, along with its body, carbonation and finish, to see how it stands up as an alcohol-free Helles.

Appearance:

A very lively golden beer as I’ve come to expect from Germany! Plenty of lacing is left by the thick head that quickly forms and is reluctant to disappear. Am initial equally lively carbonation soon dies down to a few bubbles rising from the depths of the glass.

Nose:

A lovely depth of aromas with plenty of plum, overripe apples (like when you walk passed an apple tree where the apples have starting fermenting on the ground), pipe tobacco, polished leather and a layer of malty funk. It’s a lovely boiled nose with good impact and nice balance of notes.

Taste:

The boldness continues on the palate but there’s a gentle vibe going on where everything tastes like it’s lightly coated in set honey. The malt, fermenting apples, a little berry sharpness and fruit salad sweets create a great flavour profile.

There’s also a gentle fizz which makes the beer feel almost foamy when drunk.

Finish:

Honey sweetness, apples and tobacco. Not long-lasting but very pleasant.

Overall:

Another lovely beer from Nirvana. I like the balance and bold aromas and flavours on this one. The fermenting apples element really works too!

Drink With:

Christmas snacks

Would I buy Again?:

Definitely