ROCHESTER, N.Y. — While the official start of summer is weeks away, Rochester is already getting brighter, thanks to an exciting new beer. An age-old style, Helles Bock — German for “bright lager” — is the latest offering in the Genesee Brew House Pilot Batch series.
Helles Bock combines Pale, Munich, Caramel and Carapils malt with Tettnanger and Saaz hops in a golden lager. Helles Bock first appeared at the Genesee Brew House earlier this year as a classic German recipe from Brewmaster Dean Jones.
“Last winter I was starting to plan spring and summer beers, and I, of course, went to Helles Bock because of the time of year,” Jones said. “We’ve had success with our various bocks, so I knew I wanted to explore another take on the style – and it came to me – Helles Bock.”
Helles Bock traces its roots to the helles bock or maibock styles of beer developed in the 14th century in Germany. Beers of this type are lighter in color, drier and hoppier than other traditional bock beers. Adding a unique spin to the traditional brew, Jones synthesized his love for traditional German brewing methods with flavors preferred by modern palates. The result is a version that offers beer lovers a refreshed take on a timeless beer.
“We wanted to expand the craft beer drinker’s options of a traditional helles with maltier and richer flavors,” Jones said. “The malts in this beer are really simple. Carapils for the body, Carmel for the color and Munich for the toastiness. We combined those with traditional noble aromatic hops, resulting in a beer enjoyed perfectly on its own or paired with classic barbeque foods.”
The limited-time- only Helles Bock will be available in four-pack bottles as well as on draft in select bars and restaurants, including Genesee Brew House in Rochester, New York. Beer drinkers can purchase the four-pack bottles at select locations throughout the East and Mid-Atlantic.
For more information about Helles Bock and other Genesee Brew House Pilot Batch beers, including new Orange Honey Cream Ale, visit geneseebeer.com or follow Genesee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To find Helles Bock near you, visit Genesee’s online beer finder.
About Genesee Brew House Pilot Batch
Each beer in the Pilot Batch series is originally created and first crafted on the 20-barrel pilot system in the Genesee Brew House, and is then proudly brewed and bottled at the Genesee Brewery. Since 2012, Dean Jones, award-winning brewer with more than 25 years of brewing experience, has been the Brewmaster of the Pilot Batch system in the Genesee Brew House. He frequently collaborates with other Rochester brewers and artisans on his brews.
About the Genesee Brew House
Once a century-old packaging center, the Genesee Brew House transformed a 9,200 square-foot space into a world class beer destination. The first floor of the Brew House features interactive exhibits, multi-media content, a retail shop and a pilot brewery complete with a tasting bar. Upstairs, there is a pub-style restaurant with a 41-foot bar (hand-crafted out of old, wooden Genesee brewing tanks), outdoor terrace seating and a rooftop patio.
The Genesee Brew House tells a story of the Genesee Brewing Company that dates back to 1878. The brewery lays claim to being the oldest and one of the longest continually operating breweries in the United States. By using an eclectic mix of vintage barrels, reclaimed wood, exposed ceiling, neon signs, new technology and modern exhibits, The Brew House will bring Genesee’s story alive for generations to come.
About Genesee Brewing Company
Established in 1878, the Genesee Brewery—New York state’s oldest brewery—makes the classic Genesee line of beers and the Original Honey Brown Lager, as well as Seagram’s Escapes. The Genesee Brewery also manufactures beer and other alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverages under contracts on behalf of other companies. For more information, visit www.geneseebeer.com.