I skipped the Seattle traffic yesterday by taking a Sounder bus in from Redmond with the intent of working from the Yard House Seattle. While the wall of 100+ taps is always a bit of a sensory overload, I wanted to try something I hadn’t tried before so ordered a Give ’em Helles, the house-exclusive lager brewed by the reliably good brewers at Stone Brewing.
The Give ’em Helles Stats
- Style: Munich Helles Lager
- ABV: 4.9%
- IBUs: Low (as nature intended for the style)
The Yard House Experience
Walking into that cavernous space, you’re usually met with the smell of truffle fries and the sound of classic rock. I ordered a pint of the Give ’em Helles because I wanted to check in some unique beers on Untappd and I hadn’t had this one before.
The Appearance: It’s a gorgeous, brilliant gold. It looks exactly like what a cartoon character would draw if you asked them for a “beer.” Clear, bubbly, and topped with a head that stays the course.
The Flavor Profile: This isn’t a beer that tries to win an argument. It’s subtle. You get that classic pilsner malt sweetness, think toasted crackers or a fresh baguette, followed by a very restrained, noble hop finish.
Wee Verdict: It’s exceptionally clean. There’s zero “funk” and no lingering bitterness. It’s a high-wire act of balance that Stone manages to pull off without making it taste like a generic domestic.
Why It Hits Different in Seattle
We live in the land of the “Hop Head.” Sometimes, sitting in a booth in the heart of the city, you don’t want a pine tree in a glass. You want something that honors the tradition of the German Helles, a beer designed for drinking in volume while keeping your wits about you.
I paired mine with a Stacked Turkey Club (holding the tomato and guacamole) making it a wonderful lunch combo before diving into work.
Wee Final Thoughts
If you’re hitting the Yard House before a show or after a shopping trip, don’t feel like you have to go for the most obscure, high-ABV thing on the board.
Give ’em Helles is a reminder that simplicity is a virtue. It’s crisp, it’s refreshing, and it’s a nice light lager that hit the spot for lunch. I’m glad I gave it a try.
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
