Hoh Helles
Brewery: Hoh
Town: Köttensdorf
Style: Helles
Color: in Krug so no visual
Head: creamy, thin
Nose: slight hop
Body: medium-bodied, low carbonation, soft
Palate: fruity, dry, hoppy
Finish: long, dry, bitter
Served: on tap at the brewery
Impression: Another small village brewery that had eluded me for years. Designed a small hike from Scheßlitz to the Geichburg castle and from there to Köttensdorf, where Hoh is located. Since the brewpub doesn’t open early and it was winter with an early setting sun, I wasn’t really planning on getting to have a beer here even this time but our timing was good and we decided to squeeze an all-too-short visit in. With little time to think, I saw on a chalkboard that they indeed had their Bock on tap and it also mentioned a Helles being on tap. My wife was happy to have a different beer than me so I could try two. I got the Bock, which she felt might be a bit strong since we’d have to rush to catch our bus after downing the beers.
What I hadn’t remembered was Hoh is more noted for their Lagerbier, a typically dark brew and one my wife would have likely preferred if given the choice. Thankfully, I didn’t realize this at the time and when the Helles came out in a ceramic krug, it sure didn’t make much difference what color it was! At any rate, it was nothing like a Munich Helles and not like any Helles we’d ever had in Franconia, either. It was a low carbonation affair with a very dry fruity palate. The finish was quite dry and fairly bitter, as well. In retrospect, I’m kind of glad I’d forgotten about the Lagerbier as the Helles is not always available and I generally don’t order them in Franconia and would likely have not tried it. At any rate, both beers were so good, we’re likely to go back for the Lagerbier soon anyway!
Next beer or back to the beer list.
