Black Isle Helles

◎ Appearance

Pale straw yellow with a soft, fine-grained head that settles into modest lacing. The unfiltered character shows a gentle haze from suspended yeast and protein matter, catching light with a cloudy translucence. Carbonation appears moderate and well-integrated, supporting a delicate mousse rather than aggressive fizz.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with restrained but distinct grassy and floral notes from noble-type hops, underpinned by a soft biscuit character from the barley malt base. There is no aggressive alcohol warmth—the 3.4% ABV allows the hop and malt aromatics to breathe without competition. The overall impression is clean and herbaceous, with a whisper of yeast-derived softness.

◐ Taste

Entry is crisp and light on the palate, with a gentle biscuit sweetness that carries through the mid-palate without heaviness. The mouthfeel remains dry and refreshing, with a mild herbal bitterness from the 18 IBU providing just enough structure to balance the malt. The finish dries cleanly, leaving no sticky residue or cloying aftertaste.

◑ Finish

The finish is short and clean, with the mild hop bitterness fading quickly. A subtle malt sweetness lingers briefly before the palate returns to a dry, refreshing state.