BJCP 4C · Pale Malty European Lager
Helles Bock
A strong pale bock with rich bready malt, more hop presence than other bocks and a dry finish. Powerful but very drinkable.
Helles Bock by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 6.3 – 7.4%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 23 – 35 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 6 – 9 SRM12–18 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.064 – 1.072on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.011 – 1.018on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Helles Bock is like
A strong pale lager where rich malt is balanced by somewhat more noticeable hops and bitterness than in other bocks. The alcohol comes through without too much heat, and the finish is fairly dry.
Appearance
Deep gold to light amber, bright. Creamy, persistent white head.
Aroma
Rich bready, slightly toasty malt with moderate to low floral or spicy hops. Some light esters are acceptable.
Flavor
Bready malt with a toasty touch and moderate sweetness, medium bitterness for balance and spicy hops. The finish is dry to slightly sweet, with noticeable but smooth alcohol.
Mouthfeel
Medium to medium-full body, moderate to high carbonation and a light alcohol warmth.
Where Helles Bock comes from
Bocks come from Einbeck, in northern Germany, and became famous in Munich, where they were adapted as lagers. The pale version is associated with spring, hence the name Maibock, or May bock.
Ingredients
Pilsner malt with Vienna or Munich, sometimes a little light caramel malt. German noble hops, soft to medium water and a German lager yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Helles Bock at home
You need lots of healthy yeast: make a big starter or reuse the yeast from a previous lager. Ferment at 9-11 °C (48-52 °F), raise the temperature at the end for the diacetyl rest and lager cold for six weeks or more. Carbonate to about 2.4 volumes; the typical mistake is a stuck fermentation that leaves the beer sweet with hot alcohols.
Food pairing
Goes well with baked ham, washed-rind cheeses or spiced chicken.
Glassware: beer mug (stein), big and with a handle, as in German and Czech beer halls.
Classic examples
- Einbecker Mai-Ur-Bock
- Ayinger Maibock
- Hofbräu Maibock
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Helles Bock?
Between 6.3% and 7.4% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.
How bitter is Helles Bock?
It has 23 to 35 IBUs, a moderate bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Helles Bock?
Gold to amber: 6 to 9 SRM (12 to 18 EBC).
What food pairs well with Helles Bock?
Goes well with baked ham, washed-rind cheeses or spiced chicken.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Dunkles Bock, Festbier and German Helles Exportbier.
If you like Helles Bock, try these
Classification and statistics: official Helles Bock guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.