Situated behind San Diego Harley Davidson in Kearny Mesa, Helm’s is a hidden gem. It’s a quintessential San Diego craft brewery located in an unassuming business park with roll up door entrances at either end. As you enter the establishment, fermentation tanks and cylinders line the left side of the building and are separated from the tasting room by a not-so-velvet rope. The tasting room consists of nine different taps and the bar that they reside behind. The back of the room is lined with a narrow ledge, wide enough to rest your pint glass and bar stools to take a load off. It’s clean and professional with no thrills, no frills, just craft beer.
While Sublime’s “What I Got” played in the background and the roll up doors opened up to let the outside world in, I had an instant appreciation for Helm’s relaxed atmosphere. It’s a brewery that caters to the neighborhood; a prime location for colleagues to grab beers after work. If you’re not lucky enough to be neighbors and you still want to try their beer, they distribute all over San Diego. Click here to find Helm’s near you.
The night we happened to be there, Helm’s was hosting a fund raiser for little girl with a terminal illness. I have to believe the event was a success because the brewery was packed with people, all enjoying Helm’s beer. There was a vendor set up outside, tempting us with the aroma of bacon wrapped hot dogs. It wasn’t clear if this was a regular occurrence or if it was for the fundraiser but either way, we benefitted from their presence.
Helm’s offers beer by the taster for $1.00-$2.00 each, by the pint for $5.00-$7.00 and Growler fills for $15.00-$20.00. On my first visit to Helm’s I opted for tasters in an attempt to cover the most ground.
Without much further ado, let’s talk beer.
From left to right: Batten Down Brown, Beeruccino, Goosefoot Ginger, En Garde, Captains Pale Ale
Batten Down Brown, Brown Ale5.8% ABV
Dark and murky in color with cream colored head that disappears rather quickly. It didn’t have much flavor on the front of your tongue and the finish was bitter. The body was too watery and carbonated for me, not smooth or creamy as I’ve come to expect from a brown ale. A swig of this brown ale makes you smack your tongue and reach for you water. In the interest of giving it the benefit of the doubt, it’s probably a beer best paired with food.
Beeruccino, Porter Malt, 7.2% ABV
The only difference in color between this beer and Batten Down Brown is the head. Both beers are a dark brown but this beer has a more prevalent cappuccino colored head that lingers as you work your way down to the bottom of the glass. True to its name, the nose on this beer is heavy in coffee as is the taste. I much preferred Beerucino over Batten Down Brown but to be truthful, neither one knocked my socks off.
Goosefoot Ginger, Belgian Strong Amber Ale, 8.0% ABV
Goosefoot has the highest ABV of all Helm’s beer and was by far my favorite. Coincidence? Probably not. A reddish-brown beer, it has a sweetness that cuts the alcohol so you don’t realize you’re drinking an 8% beer. Consider yourself warned. It is well carbonated and full of flavor. A definite do-over.
En Garde, Spring Ale, 6.9%
I think this is the first “Spring Ale” I’ve ever had. Unfortunately it was a rather forgettable beer. It may have been the order I sampled the beer in but this one just didn’t hold a candle to Goosefoot Finger.
Captain’s Pale Ale, 6.0%
A bourbon colored beer, Captain’s Pale Ale was an improvement over En Garde. It’s color deceivies the flavor as it is a lighter, citrusy beer. Very easy drinking and food friendly. This is a beer that you can buy a couple six packs and take to a party with guaranteed success.
Wicked As Sin, Rye IPA, 6.6% ABC
Clear and orange/yellow in color this beer looks like your traditional beer. It has a head that stands tall and doesn’t quit. The flavor is a mild IPA with light, earthy hops. This may not be fathers stinky IPA but it’s delicious in it’s own right. It’s a refreshing take on IPA that won’t knock you on your ass.
Hop The RIPA, Red India Pale Ale, 7.2% ABV
Not to be taken lightly, this dark brown ale is packed with malts and hops yet it gives off a sweet aroma with faint notes of chocolate. The perfect beer for flavor lovers.
Messin With Saazquatch, IPA, 6.9% ABV
A golden honey IPA, this one came in a close second on my list of favorites. Viscous and with almost no head, I was afraid that meant a flat beer. However, the brewmasters deceived me and Messin’ delivered a floral, sweet, yummy flavor. The alcohol keeps the sweetness from being overwhelming and the malty backbone balances everything out. A must try.
Helm’s is another great San Diego brewery. I may not be a fan of all of their beers but it wasn’t difficult to find a few I did like. It’s hard not to appreciate the relaxed vibe and the neighborhood environment. They are playful with the names of their beers and experimental with the flavors and it’s paying off. It’s also hard not to love their branding, “Take the Helm” – if you insist!
Bottoms up!
Year of the Brew.2 
