In this week’s episode, I kicked things off with some deep appreciation for the lager that inspired the show: Bierstadt Helles. It's a beer that proves complexity doesn't require flash—sometimes, the most profound impact comes from simplicity done right.

Bierstadt Lagerhaus, based in Denver, Colorado, has earned a cult following for its reverent dedication to traditional German brewing. Their Slow Pour Pils gets a lot of love, but it's their Helles that quietly steals hearts. This beer is a love letter to patience, balance, and restraint. At just 4.9% ABV, it’s a masterclass in malt character, subtle floral hops, and soft carbonation that leaves you wanting another pour… and another.

I shared a bit about my first encounter with Bierstadt’s beers—how it felt like discovering an old world secret at altitude. Drinking their Helles reminds me that not every beer needs to punch you in the face with hops or roast. Sometimes, a well-executed classic is the soul-soothing comfort we didn’t know we needed.

Live tasting? Of course. I cracked a can and walked through the golden hue, the fluffy white head, the bready nose, and that impossibly clean finish. If clarity and calm had a flavor, this would be it.

To wrap it up, I dipped into the internet’s worst takes with a few ridiculous 1-star reviews. Spoiler alert: if you complain a Helles “tastes like beer,” you might be missing the point.