-
Stop lurking! Log in to search, post in our forums, review beers, see fewer ads, and more. — Todd, Founder of BeerAdvocate
When In Doubt
Tröegs Brewing Company
- From:
- Tröegs Brewing Company
- Pennsylvania, United States
- Style:
- Helles
Ranked #97 - ABV:
- 4.3%
- Score:
- 87
Ranked #16,329 - Avg:
- 3.88 | pDev: 7.47%
- Reviews:
- 26
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Sep 01, 2023
- Added:
- Aug 24, 2015
- Wants:
- 0
- Gots:
- 8
Arguably more than any other beer style, the Helles Lager represents the deep-rooted tradition of German brewing. The word “Helles” (German for “light”) offers the perfect descriptor for this pale, straw-colored, thirst-quencher of a beer. With origins in Münich, the Helles Lager style displays certain key attributes of a Czech Pilsner, such as its biscuity malt profile. Tradition hops lend subtle bitterness with hints of wildflowers, earthy spices, and soft herbs. Subtle yet flavorful enough to make for an enjoyable session, When In Doubt Lager will alleviate any uncertainty you’ve got when reaching for your next beer.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Tucquan:
Reviewed by Tucquan from Pennsylvania
4.1/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.1/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had this on 2015-08-29 in Columbia, PA from a fresh growler purchased at the brewery yesterday. Had it again on 2016-01-07 from a fresh 12oz bottle. Again on 2018-07-13 at the brewery on-tap. There was also a run of cans at this time and I bought 2 cases, which lasted me into 2019.
A - Hazy straw-yellow with a 3-finger pillowy white head and moderate lace.
S - Pears, white grapes, grass, bread.
T - Much like the smell but with more emphasis on the bread first, then the pear and grape. There are nice, spicy noble hop flavors mid taste, which flow into a mild bitterness that balances with a sourdough flavor lingering briefly into the aftertaste.
M - Light-medium body and medium carbonation. Crisp and very refreshing; particularly after hiking 16 miles today along the Susquehanna River.
O - Good enough to be in the summer season rotation. It was available in bottles earlier in the week but I was out of town and by the time I got to the brewery yesterday evening; they were gone. Too bad. This would be worth keeping on hand for some thirst-quenching goodness in the summer.
Note: On 2018-07-13 I was able to purchase a case of 12oz cans at the brewery.
Aug 29, 2015A - Hazy straw-yellow with a 3-finger pillowy white head and moderate lace.
S - Pears, white grapes, grass, bread.
T - Much like the smell but with more emphasis on the bread first, then the pear and grape. There are nice, spicy noble hop flavors mid taste, which flow into a mild bitterness that balances with a sourdough flavor lingering briefly into the aftertaste.
M - Light-medium body and medium carbonation. Crisp and very refreshing; particularly after hiking 16 miles today along the Susquehanna River.
O - Good enough to be in the summer season rotation. It was available in bottles earlier in the week but I was out of town and by the time I got to the brewery yesterday evening; they were gone. Too bad. This would be worth keeping on hand for some thirst-quenching goodness in the summer.
Note: On 2018-07-13 I was able to purchase a case of 12oz cans at the brewery.
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by Rschis16 from Maryland
3.88/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
3.88/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hazy copper orange in color with a pillow of stark white foam on top that takes its sweet time dissapating and lacing the glass as it goes. Soft bread and biscuit notes in the nose play nicely with some floral notes. Pleasant aroma. The floral notes shine through on first taste, followed by a classic pilsner malt that cleans up the back end nicely. Lingers just a touch in the aftertaste after a smooth, clean finish. Nice full mouthfeel for a 4.3% beer and makes you wonder how they accomplished that. Really well rounded beer here that makes for a very enjoyable experience.
Aug 08, 2020Reviewed by HorseheadsHophead from Colorado
4.28/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.28/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Clear light yellow in color with just a faint haze. Big soapy white head; good retention and lacing.
Vegetal hops, bell pepper flesh, honey, bread crust, and grass on the nose.
Delicate honey and bread crust sweetness balanced against bell pepper, grass, hay and clover notes from the hops. Crisp and clean with just a slight white pepper bitterness.
Medium-light mouthfeel, but not watery in the slightest. Feels more like 5-5.5% than 4.3%. Well carbonated and slightly oily, but clean and crisp.
A fantastic Helles lager. Troegs did a knock-out job here.
Jul 06, 2020Vegetal hops, bell pepper flesh, honey, bread crust, and grass on the nose.
Delicate honey and bread crust sweetness balanced against bell pepper, grass, hay and clover notes from the hops. Crisp and clean with just a slight white pepper bitterness.
Medium-light mouthfeel, but not watery in the slightest. Feels more like 5-5.5% than 4.3%. Well carbonated and slightly oily, but clean and crisp.
A fantastic Helles lager. Troegs did a knock-out job here.
Reviewed by TongoRad from New Jersey
4.55/5 rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.55/5 rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
This is one mighty impressive beer, and imo the kind that makes it worth picking up the pack just to get. Deeply bready and fuller than it's 4.3% would suggest, highlighted by hints of zesty lime peel hops and the slightest touch of DMS; perfectly balanced on the finish with just the right snap of clean bitterness; starts malty yet finishes dry. Muscular yet nimble.
I was expecting something good from this beer. Troegs exceeded it. One of the best American brewed Helles I can remember having.
Jul 05, 2020I was expecting something good from this beer. Troegs exceeded it. One of the best American brewed Helles I can remember having.
Rated by artiefufkin from New Jersey
4.1/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.1/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Clear typical helles aroma, slight grainy/husky notes on the palate only negative. Overall a good example of the style.
Jun 29, 2020Reviewed by DaveMaciolek21 from New Jersey
3.6/5 rDev -7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.6/5 rDev -7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pronounced German/Czech taste. Nice clear, golden pour. The malt presence is heady--the big biscuit! In fact, with such a bold flavor profile, it was surprising to see the abv clock in at only 4.3%. This is a nice hearty refreshing choice--and sessionable!
Jun 23, 2020Reviewed by dsa7783 from New Jersey
3.63/5 rDev -6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
3.63/5 rDev -6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Sampler pack copped from Crown Liquors in Vauxhall. Pours a golden, lucid hue with minimal frothing. Mellow aroma replete with hints of marshmallow and graham crackers. Similar overall flavor profile. Refreshing.
Jun 23, 2020Reviewed by Bluecrow from New York
4.23/5 rDev +9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.23/5 rDev +9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
-clear, pale yellow can pour with soapy-looking foam cap The aroma includes hay and woody hop notes. The flavor is of clean grain and some grass. The finish is slightly dry. This is a really pleasant brew.
Jun 10, 2020Reviewed by Urtravel from Pennsylvania
4.7/5 rDev +21.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
4.7/5 rDev +21.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
L: hazy golden straw color
S: aromatic light crisp floral
T: follows smell but with great effervescence
F: smooth cool crisp and clean
O: a great helles
Jun 06, 2020S: aromatic light crisp floral
T: follows smell but with great effervescence
F: smooth cool crisp and clean
O: a great helles
When In Doubt from Tröegs Brewing Company
Beer rating:
87 out of
100 with
78 ratings
We love reviews (150 characters or more)! Check out: How to Review a Beer. You don't need to get fancy. Drop some thoughts on the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) plus your overall impression. Something that backs up your rating and helps others. Thanks!