The Year in Beer

Name: Helles Lager

Brewer: Fordham Brewing Co., Dover, Delaware

By the numbers: About 160 calories per 12 oz.; 5.4 percent alcohol by volume

Notes: This is my first beer from Fordham. It just goes to show you how many beers there are in the world. Two years into the Year in Beer and I’m still trying beers from brewers I’ve never had before. Fordham traces its roots to Benjamin Fordham, who set up the first brewery in the port of Annapolis, Maryland in 1703. This version of the brewery has been operating since 1995. I like German-style beers and Helles is like an everyday version of Marzen, with the same malty tones. It poured a deep golden color, with a thin frothy white head. The aroma was grassy and sweet and the malty taste also followed with sweetness and a crisp lager finish. This is a good beer.

Try it with: Gift giving. This beer was a gift from the mayor of my small town, who got it as part of his monthly beer subscription. I’ve given many a good beer through the past couple of years and, of course, ‘tis the season! Treat yourself to a good craft beer.

    — Posted by Mike Freimann