Helles Superior: a collaboration with Brewery Ommegang

We were lucky enough to collaborate with Brewery Ommegang to create Helles Superior, a dry-hopped Helles-style lager.

Brewery Ommegang has been one of the breweries we’ve most admired since before we were in this game, as they’ve been making the finest Belgian-style beers anywhere since the late 1990’s. We had some initial discussions at their infamous Belgium Comes to Cooperstown festival many years ago that eventually blossomed into this collaboration. While the collab was more socially distanced than we initially envisioned (unfortunately, we weren’t able to be at their brewery on brew day 😢), we are still honored to work with one of our heroes.

We were shooting for a refreshing and drinkable beer with some nice hop complexity. This Helles-style lager, featuring Hallertau Blanc and Mandarina Bavaria hops, is sure to hit the spot in this heat. Per Ommegang:

“ Versatile and refreshing, the beer draws inspiration from the waterways that define our respective corners of New York; the industrial spirit of the Erie Canal, and the idyllic solitude of Cooperstown’s Glimmerglass. For labor or for leisure, Helles Superior rewards with remarkable drinkability. It pours golden straw with a resilient white head. Hallertau Blanc hops add delicate floral and tropical aromas, buoyed by a touch of Mandarina Bavaria citrus. Lightly bready, semi-sweet Munich malts beautifully balance the hop additions, leading to a crisp finish with minimal bitterness. An all-day sipper—and a truly superior Helles.”

Helles Superior is available in 16 oz cans at retailers across our region this week, and at our tap room beginning this Friday 7/10.

#celebratebeer