Shiga Kogen Beer HELLES!? (3rd) 5.0% Review

Craft Beer Review: Shiga Kogen Beer / HELLES!? (3rd) (5.0%)

This article is based on a past tasting experience and was updated in June 2025.

[#rihobeer No.405] Shiga Kogen Beer / HELLES!? (3rd) (5.0%)
Recommended Craft Beer

This is a guide to recommended brewpubs (craft beer breweries with taprooms/bars). I cover access, food, beer, and suggestions for your next stop.

Here I introduce recommended craft beers, where to buy them, and detailed tasting notes. Use this as a guide for your next beer selection!

About This Beer

Characteristics

This is Shiga Kogen’s (Nagano) Helles. They reportedly wanted to make it a regular lineup beer. I wish they would!
http://tamamura-honten.co.jp/?pid=163015355

Release Date

October 5

Where I Bought It

Mejiro Tanakaya (Tokyo)

I regularly update my recommended craft beer picks available on Rakuten — check it out!

Best Craft Beer on Rakuten (March 2026 Update)

Best Craft Beer on Rakuten (Updated March 2026)This article is based on past tasting experiences and was updated with th...

rihobeer.com

2022.10.22

Beer Review

Appearance

Golden color. Some haze, but you can still see through to the other side.

Aroma

Aroma (Orthonasal)

Noble hop character with a lemony, grassy quality. There’s a tea-like nuance. Too much would lead to astringency, but it stops at just the right level. Plus caramel-tinged malt sweetness. Very pleasant — like the caramel at the bottom of a pudding, or the cookie base of a cake. *Better as it warms up.*

Flavor (Retronasal)

A slight buttery quality (not unpleasant, not an off-flavor), plus an intense noble hop mint and grassiness. Malt sweetness. A sense of freshness.

Taste

Mouthfeel

Natural beer-like feel

Body and Texture

On the palate, malt sweetness and a buttery sensation lead into gentle bitterness. Rolling the liquid on the tongue reveals a stronger hop bitterness — but even ‘strong’ here is restrained and pleasant. A sharp, minty bitterness stands out. Slight acidity. Comfortable. The supporting malt framework isn’t overpowering, providing natural balance.

The Swallow

Slides down the throat naturally.

Aftertaste

Leans dry, but not overly crisp. Leaves a pleasant malt aftertaste in the mouth. Minty notes linger for quite some time. A refreshing finish.

Overall Impression

The hop presence feels strong for a Helles, but the malt firmly supports the whole package and it’s delicious. I like this batch more than the previous one. There’s a slight chicle (flavorless gum) quality that comes through a bit strong. Beautiful malt character. Truly excellent. I’d love to drink this by the pint.

Dregs

Stronger acidity with a pronounced marmalade character.

I wrote an article about craft beer-related Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) picks for 2022 — check it out below!

クラフトビールのふるさと納税完全ガイド

ふるさと納税で手に入るクラフトビールをブルワリー別にまとめました。納税先を検討中の方は参考にしてください。

rihobeer.com

2024.07.05

I regularly update my recommended craft beer picks available on Rakuten — check it out!

Best Craft Beer on Rakuten (March 2026 Update)

Best Craft Beer on Rakuten (Updated March 2026)This article is based on past tasting experiences and was updated with th...

rihobeer.com

2022.10.22

Overall Rating

Where to Buy

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FAQ: Shiga Kogen Beer / HELLES!? (3rd) (5.0%)

What does Shiga Kogen Beer / HELLES!? (3rd) (5.0%) taste like?

Shiga Kogen Beer / HELLES!? (3rd) (5.0%) is a craft beer-style brew. See the full article for detailed tasting notes on flavor, aroma, and appearance.

Where can I buy Shiga Kogen Beer / HELLES!? (3rd) (5.0%)?

クラフトビール専門店やオンラインショップで購入できる場合があります。入手困難な場合はRecommended Craft Beer Guideで他の銘柄もチェックしてみてください。

Are there other recommended craft beer brands?

当サイトでは多数のクラフトビールをレビューしています。Complete Guide to Dank IPAやDDH & TDH Beer Explainedも参考にしてください。

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