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Holsten Edel

Holsten-Brauerei
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🌍 Germany · Helles Lager · One of 175 Helles Lagers in hopIQ

Holsten Edel has been brewed since 1913 and is classed by the brewery as a Hellbier, the milder counterpart to its Pilsener. Original gravity and alcohol match the Pilsener at 11.2 °P and 4.8%, but the hopping is lighter at 23 bitterness units. The beer is bright gold, with soft grainy malt, a hint of bread, a touch of fruitiness and a gentle floral hop note in the aroma. The palate is rounded and lightly sweet, and the finish stays mild with only a short, spicy bitterness.

ABV
4.8%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter23 IBU
Malt-forward bitterness
SRM
pale gold4
See all Helles Lager alternatives →
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Lean body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Dry finish.
drysweet
Bitterness
Soft bitterness.
mildbitter
Texture
Crisp mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

The texture leads here, with everything else held in gentle reserve.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another Helles Lager.
Hop character
floral
Malt character
malty
bready
Fermentation & yeast
clean
fruity
Distinctive notes
spicy

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Holsten Edel

Appearance

Holsten Edel presents a bright, pale gold color with excellent clarity and a fine, white head that displays good retention and delicate lacing. The carbonation is evident but restrained, creating a soft effervescence typical of the Hellbier style. The overall visual impression is clean and inviting, reflecting the beer's approachable character.

bright goldclearfine white headsoft carbonation

Aroma

The nose opens with soft, grainy malt notes complemented by a hint of fresh bread. A gentle floral hop character emerges alongside a subtle fruity note, neither assertive nor withdrawn. The bouquet remains balanced and mellow, inviting without overwhelming—a hallmark of the beer's refined hopping at just 23 IBU.

soft grainbread notedelicate floralssubtle fruit

Taste

On the palate, Holsten Edel unfolds with a rounded, lightly sweet entry that showcases the grainy Malz foundation. The mid-palate remains smooth and clean, with a touch of bread character and gentle fruitiness creating a harmonious whole. A brief, spicy bitterness emerges in the finish, staying mild and integrated rather than sharp or assertive.

rounded sweetnessclean maltsmooth texturegentle spice

Finish

The finish is short and mild, with the spicy hop bitterness fading quickly into a dry, refreshing aftertaste. The beer leaves the palate clean and ready for the next sip, without lingering astringency or cloying residue.

short finishrefreshingmild bitterness
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
77
Taste
79
Appearance
80
Finish
76
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Holsten Edel

Serve at 4–7°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 4–7°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Stein
Recommended for this style

The sturdy German stein maintains temperature and keeps carbonation intact. Built for long, convivial drinking.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Holsten Edel

About Helles Lager

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Helles Lager?

Helles Lager is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Helles Lager

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same malty, floral, smooth character as Holsten Edel will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Helles Lagers in hopIQ

Compare with another beer →Explore all Helles Lager beers in hopIQ →New to Helles Lager? Read our guide →Browse Germany beers →