Beer greetings from Helf part two / Pivní pozdrav z Helfu část druhá

It's been a while since I wrote a post about Helf Brewery and their beer products. With that, I kind of apologize for the delay. I'm sure you'll agree that it takes time to try so many beers. Plus, a lot of things have happened that have led to a delay in releasing the next installment. Like the floods.
The previous post was more of an introduction, something about the Helf brewery and stuff. I'll give a closer look at their products below.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Light lager, bottom-fermented, 4.5% Vol.

Hops:
SAAZ

I tried the beers one by one according to the amount of alcohol and type. Even "Hefaiston" is a bottom-fermented pale lager,
I was again unimpressed with the head. It wasn't very distinctive and fell off quickly. I could still detect subtle fruity notes, which is quite unusual for a top-fermented beer. The beer had a beautiful amber colour. Slightly bitter, surprisingly less bitter than the previously tried - weaker "Kovář".

The beer was full bodied with a subtle and long lasting hop finish. There are subtle fruity notes that become more and more noticeable as you sip. Something like citrus.

Pale lager, bottom-fermented, extra bitter, 4.7% Vol.

Hops:
Styrian Bobek

The last bottom-fermented lager I've tried from the Helf brewery.
I couldn't find an indication of the bitterness of this product, but it was quite bitter. At least for me.
The bitterness is provided by the Czech Agnus hops, the aftertaste is due to the Slovenian Styrian Goldings hop variety.
When I write that the beer was bitter, I mean that it was bitter from start to finish. The bitterness overshadows all other flavours. That is, if it's there at all. The finish is unpleasantly astringent and the bitterness lingers long not in the mouth but in the throat.
Although the beer is bitter, the aroma does not suggest it.

For me, this beer was a disappointment. Not that I don't like bitter beers, but there is no such thing as bitterness. And the astringent to annoying bitterness in the throat really bothered me.
But I believe this product will find its fans too. But I'm not.

Light draught, top fermented, 4%

Hops:
Motueka, Waimea, Wai-ti

Summer Ale is a type of beer that is specially developed for the warm summer months. It is usually lighter and more refreshing than regular beers. The bitterness is usually lower than regular beers, which contributes to the refreshing character. So much for the definition
This beer is so refreshing too. It has a subtle fruity citrus aroma and taste. And it offers acceptable bitterness as well.

Although I am a drinker of classic Czech Pilsner-type beers, I like to try these top-fermented beers. I like the fruity and sometimes even spicy taste of them. But often you really just need to taste.

American Red Ale, semi-dark top-fermented lager, 5,2 % Vol.

Hops:
Nugget, Motueka, Eureka

The last beer I want to present to you is also the strongest I have tasted. It was a semi-dark ale. Now, I can't actually remember if I've ever had a semi-dark ale. So maybe it was a first.
Again, the beer grabs your attention with its fruity notes. Slightly caramel flavor and coloration. The beer is also sufficiently bitter. But here the bitterness - although pronounced - was much more pleasant. And although the bitter aftertaste was noticeable and pronounced, it was pleasant.
Although it was a stronger beer, it was still fresh, not too heavy and drinkable.
For me, the best beer of the entire range of beers I've tried from the Helf brewery.

Except for the Extra Bitter 12, all the beers we tried were well drinkable and balanced. It can be said that they all had a common character. Helf Brewery does a good job in my opinion. So if you ever come across this brand in your travels, don't be afraid to give it a try. I can only recommend the 'Blacksmith's Forge' in particular.

Cheers