Helles Export

A clean, export-strength pale lager with increased alcohol presence, deeper malt structure, and a longer, smooth finish while preserving Helles' soft noble balance. Compared with standard Helles, it is stronger, broader, and more weighty.

Defined by increased strength and structure while retaining classic Helles smoothness.

Also known as: Helles Export; Export Helles
Family: Light & Crisp Lagers - Easy-drinking pale lagers; refreshing and clean
Variant of Helles - Within the Clean Fermentation Beers, defined by clean lager fermentation with restrained yeast expression and structural balance.
Variant influence: A stronger Helles maintaining clean lager fermentation and soft noble hopping, but with elevated gravity, slightly fuller body, firmer structure, and longer finish while preserving smooth balance.
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ABV, IBU and colour

This section summarises the typical alcohol strength, bitterness level and colour range of Helles Export within the GBI model.

ABV: 6,0%
IBU: 15
Colour: 3,0 SRM / 5,9 EBC

Taste profile

The sensory profile below shows the typical intensity range of the 15 core flavour dimensions.

Colour:
Straw Pale yellow
Clarity:
Brilliant Clear
Aroma – Malt:
Low Medium
Aroma – Hop:
Low
Aroma – Yeast:
Low
Aroma – Special:
None Low
Sweetness:
Low Medium
Sourness:
None Low
Bitterness:
Low Medium
Body:
Low Medium
Astringency:
Low Medium
Carbonation:
Medium High
Alcohol Strength:
Medium
Finish Length:
Short Long
Oxidation:
None Low

Smooth and structured with gentle alcohol warmth, slightly fuller body, and a longer finish while remaining clean and balanced.

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What gives Helles Export its character

These structural drivers help shape its characteristic sensory profile.

  • Filtration removes suspended material and produces a very bright appearance.
  • Pilsner malt provides a pale grain base with relatively restrained malt aroma.
  • High attenuation converts more fermentable extract, tending to reduce residual sweetness and body while supporting alcohol formation and a drier finish.
  • A chloride-forward balance supports a fuller, slightly sweeter palate while softening perceived bitterness.
  • Moderate grist intensity provides more extract, supporting somewhat higher gravity, body and alcohol strength.

History

Export is a traditional German strength designation that can be applied to beers brewed somewhat stronger than their standard counterparts. In this variant, that idea is applied to a Helles-like pale lager while retaining clean fermentation and a soft malt-led balance.

How Helles Export compares to other beer styles

This comparison shows meaningful differences in sensory ranges and style character based on the GBI data.

Helles Export vs Pilsner

Other differences:

  • The color range of Pilsner extends to darker shades.
  • The hop aroma range of Pilsner extends to higher intensities.
  • Pilsner can have a milder alcohol impression.
  • Helles Export has honey-like malt notes, while Pilsner has grainy malt notes; both styles have bready malt notes.

Helles Export vs Pale Lager

Compared with Pale Lager, Helles Export has:

  • clearer in appearance

Other differences:

  • The color range of Pale Lager extends to darker shades.
  • The hop aroma range of Pale Lager extends to higher intensities.
  • Helles Export can be sweeter.
  • Pale Lager can have a milder alcohol impression.
  • Helles Export can have a longer finish.
  • Helles Export has noble hop notes; both styles have floral hop notes.
  • Helles Export has honey-like malt notes, while Pale Lager has toasty malt notes; both styles have bready malt notes.
  • Pale Lager can use corn and rice as a grain; both styles include barley.

Compare Helles Export with another beer style

Choose any GBI beer style to compare sensory ranges and style character.

Want to explore the underlying data in more detail? Compare styles in the GBI Explorer →

Related styles

Other variants within the same style group as Helles Export.

Best food pairings for Helles Export

These food pairings complement the dominant sensory traits of Helles Export.

  • Soft cheeses
  • Roast chicken
  • Salads

Service & Aging

Practical guidance for serving and handling Helles Export.

Serving notes
Keep cold and protected from light
Pouring technique
Gentle pour to preserve clarity
Aging potential
Drink fresh · Not suited for aging
Common faults
Oxidation · Diacetyl
Style details
  • Origin: Germany — Originating from German brewing traditions.
  • Glassware: Pilsner Glass — Tall, slender pilsner glass that accentuates clarity, carbonation, and hop brightness.
    Willibecher — German-style tumbler glass used for many lagers and ales, offering balanced aroma and drinkability.
    Stein — Traditional German stein or maßkrug for festbiers and classic lagers; emphasizes volume and fest service.
  • Serving: Draft — Served on draft.
  • Conditioning: Tank-conditioned — Conditioned in stainless or lagering tank.
  • Aging vessel: Stainless — Aged or matured in stainless steel.
  • Packaging: Keg — Packaged in keg.

Commercial examples of Helles Export

The following commercial examples illustrate widely recognised expressions of Helles Export in the market.

  • Augustiner Edelstoff
  • Tegernseer Spezial
  • Andechser Spezial Hell
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