If you are a fan of lager beers, then Munich Helles is a classic German style that you must try. This beer has a delicate balance of maltiness, subtle hop bitterness, and a crisp finish, making it refreshing and easy to drink. Making your own Munich Helles beer is easier than you think and can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Munich Helles
Equipment
- 1 Large brew kettle (minimum 8-gallon capacity)
- 1 Mash tun or large pot for mashing
- 1 Thermometer
- 1 Grain bag or lautering equipment
- 1 Large stirring spoon
- 1 Wort chiller
- 1 Fermenter (carboy or bucket)
- 1 Airlock and stopper
- 1 Bottling bucket
- 1 Bottles and caps
Ingredients
For the Mash – Liquor 12 Litres (21 Pints) – Mash Time 1 hr – Temperature 65°C (149°F)
- 9.10 lbs Pilsner malt Quantity 4.38kg
- 7 lbs Carapils malt Quantity 200g
- 6 lbs Vienna malt Quantity 175g
For the Boil – 27Litres (47 1/2 Pints) – Boil Time 1 hr – 15 mins
- 1 oz (Hops)Hallertauer Mittelfrüh 5% When to add-At start of boil (IBU 14.9)
- 2/3 oz (Hops)Hallertauer Mittelfrüh 5% When to add-For last 5 mins of boil (IBU 2.2)
- 1 tsp Protofloc Other-When to add-For last 15 mins of boil
To Ferment – 12°C (54°F) – Conditioning 4 weeks at 3°C (37°F)
- 1 White Labs WLP850 Copenhagen Lager Yeast
Instructions
Ingredients:
- Heat 12 liters (21 pints) of water to a temperature of 65°C (149°F) in a mash tun.
- Add the crushed Pilsner, Carapils, and Vienna malt to the mash tun and stir well.
- Let the mixture rest for 1 hour at a temperature of 65°C (149°F).
Boil:
- Heat 27 liters (47 1/2 pints) of water to a boil in a brew kettle.
- Add the Hallertauer Mittelfrüh hops and boil for 1 hour.
- After 50 minutes of boiling, add the Protofloc.
- Add the remaining Hallertauer Mittelfrüh hops and boil for the last 5 minutes.
Fermentation:
- Cool the wort to a temperature of 12°C (54°F).
- Transfer the wort to a fermenter and pitch the White Labs WLP850 Copenhagen Lager Yeast.
- Ferment the beer for 2 weeks at a temperature of 12°C (54°F).
- After 2 weeks, reduce the temperature to 3°C (37°F) and condition the beer for 4 more weeks.
Bottling:
- After the conditioning period, add priming sugar to the beer and bottle it.
- Let the beer carbonate in the bottle for 2 weeks at room temperature.
- Store the bottled beer in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks before drinking.
Notes
Tip 1: Use high-quality ingredients
The quality of the ingredients used in your Munich Helles beer can significantly affect the final taste and aroma. For best results, use high-quality Pilsner, Carapils, and Vienna malts, as well as fresh Hallertauer Mittelfrüh hops and White Labs WLP850 Copenhagen Lager Yeast.Tip 2: Pay attention to the mash temperature
Maintaining a consistent mash temperature of 65°C (149°F) for one hour is important for achieving the desired malt profile in your beer. Use a reliable thermometer to monitor the temperature and make any necessary adjustments.Tip 3: Boil for the right amount of time
Boiling the wort for one hour and 15 minutes is important for extracting the desired hop bitterness and aroma. Be sure to add the Hallertauer Mittelfrüh hops at the appropriate times to achieve the desired IBU level and flavor.Tip 4: Ferment at the right temperature
Fermenting your Munich Helles beer at the proper temperature is crucial for achieving the desired flavor profile and avoiding off-flavors. Keep the temperature at 12°C (54°F) for two weeks during primary fermentation, and then reduce the temperature to 3°C (37°F) for conditioning.| Makes 🍻 | Ready to Drink 🍺 | Estimated ABV | Bitterness Rating | Color Rating |
| 23 Litres (40 Pints) | 5 Weeks | 4.9% | 17.1 IBU | 6.3 EBC |
Why try this Munich Helles Beer Recipe?
1. Classic German Style
Munich Helles beer is a classic German style enjoyed for over a century. This beer has a delicate balance of maltiness, subtle hop bitterness, and a crisp finish, making it refreshing and easy to drink. By trying this recipe, you can experience the authentic taste of this classic German beer.
2. Simple Ingredients
This recipe uses simple and high-quality ingredients to create a delicious Munich Helles beer. Pilsner, Carapils, and Vienna malts provide the perfect blend of malty sweetness, while Hallertauer Mittelfrüh hops add a subtle bitterness and aroma. White Labs WLP850 Copenhagen Lager Yeast ferments the beer and creates a smooth and crisp finish.
3. Fun and Rewarding Experience
Making your beer can be a fun and rewarding experience. With this recipe, you can learn the brewing process and create a delicious beer to share with friends and family. You can also experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your unique beer.
4. Cost-Effective
Brewing your beer can be a cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite beverage. Making a batch of Munich Helles beer at home saves you money compared to buying beer at the store. You can also customize the recipe to your liking and create a beer tailored to your taste.
By trying this recipe, you can experience the classic taste of Munich Helles beer while having fun and saving money. So why not try it and enjoy a glass of homemade beer?
What type of beer is Munich Helles?
Munich Helles is a classic German style of beer that is light and refreshing and has a slightly malty flavor with subtle hop bitterness.
What are the main ingredients used in this recipe?
The main ingredients in this Munich Helles recipe include Pilsner, Carapils, Vienna malts, Hallertauer Mittelfrüh hops, and White Labs WLP850 Copenhagen Lager Yeast.
How long does the brewing process take?
The brewing process for this recipe takes about 1 hour for mashing, 1 hour and 15 minutes for boiling, and 32 days for fermenting and conditioning.
What is the estimated ABV of the beer?
The estimated ABV of the beer is 4.9%.
How many pints of beer does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 40 pints of beer or 23 liters.
How do I know when the beer is ready to drink?
The beer should be ready to drink after a conditioning period of 4 weeks at three °C (37°F). You can also use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity to determine if the beer is ready.
What type of equipment do I need to make this beer?
The equipment needed includes a mash tun, brew kettle, fermenter, thermometer, hydrometer, airlock and stopper, racking cane and tubing, bottling bucket and spigot, bottles and caps, priming sugar, capper, bottle brush, cleaner/sanitizer solution.
Can I adjust the bitterness of the beer by using different hops?
Yes, you can adjust the bitterness of the beer by using different types of hops or by changing the amount or timing of hop additions during the boil.
How long does it take to carbonate the beer in the bottle?
The beer typically takes about two weeks to carbonate in the bottle at room temperature.
Can I reuse the yeast for another batch of beer?
Yes, you can reuse the yeast for another batch of beer, but it is essential to properly clean and sanitize the equipment before using it again.
Can I add fruit or spices to this recipe to create a flavored beer?
Add fruit or spices to this recipe to create a flavored beer. However, it is essential to properly sanitize any additional ingredients before adding them to the beer.
What is the best way to store the beer after it has been bottled?
The best way to store the bottled beer is in a cool, dark place at around 10-15°C (50-59°F). This will help the beer to mature and develop its flavor.
Can I keg the beer instead of bottling it?
You can keg the beer instead of bottling it if you have the necessary equipment. Kegging can be more convenient and faster than bottling but requires additional equipment and setup.
How long should the wort boil?
The wort should boil for 1 hour and 15 minutes, with the Hallertauer Mittelfrüh hops added at the start and for the last 5 minutes.
Is it necessary to use a specific type of yeast for this recipe?
While it is recommended to use White Labs WLP850 Copenhagen Lager Yeast for this recipe, you can experiment with different types of yeast to achieve different flavors and aromas in your beer. Just make sure to use a yeast strain appropriate for more extensive beer.
