Prost! Our Gluten Free Helles Lager Is Here for Oktoberfest 2026
Every year around this time, the lederhosen come out, the brass bands tune up, and Australia's beer scene turns its eyes toward Munich. Oktoberfest is upon us - and this year, TWØBAYS Brewing Co is raising the stein with something special: our brand-new gluten free Helles Lager.
If you're coeliac, gluten intolerant, or simply gluten-conscious, you already know how easy it is to be left on the sideline when the fest season rolls around. Those big, traditional German lagers are rarely made with you in mind. This one is. It's brewed entirely gluten free, from grain to glass, at our dedicated brewery.
Prost! May it agree with you.
What Is a Helles Lager?
"Helles" (pronounced *HEL-ess*) is the Bavarian German word for "bright" or "pale" - and it describes exactly what lands in your glass. Munich Helles is a pale golden lager that was first brewed in 1894 by Munich's Spaten Brewery, developed as a softer, maltier answer to the crisp Bohemian Pilsners sweeping Europe at the time.
Where a Pilsner leans into a clean, hoppy bitterness, a Helles is rounder - gentle bready malt sweetness up front, a whisper of noble hops, and a finish that's refreshing and sessionable. It's the beer that Munich actually drinks every day. And increasingly, it's the style pouring in the famous Wiesn tents at Oktoberfest itself.
Think brilliantly clear, straw-gold colour. A fine, white head. Delicate grain aromas with a hint of honey. Supremely easy to drink - and impossible to put down.
Why We Made a Helles for Oktoberfest
In 2024 we brought you our gluten free Märzen - a rich amber lager built on toasted bready malts and centuries of Bavarian tradition. This year, we wanted to go brighter, lighter, and a little more Munich-everyday. It's the beer that locals drink. Designed for big pours and celebrating with mates. And it's the one that - finally - gets to be made entirely for the gluten free community.
Around 1 in 70 Australians are coeliac, and more than 1 in 10 avoid gluten entirely. That's a huge chunk of people who've had to cheers with either a glass of wine or a cider when their mates are cheersing with steins of beer - it's just not the same. We're here to change that.
TWØBAYS is Australia's leading dedicated gluten free craft brewery. There's no shared equipment. No "may contain" caveats. Every beer we make is made exclusively for people who need - or simply want - a genuinely gluten free option.
What Does the TWØBAYS Helles Lager Taste Like?
Our Helles Lager is everything the style should be:
- Colour: Brilliant straw-gold, crystal clear
- Aroma: Fresh grain, soft floral hops, faint honey sweetness
- Flavour: Clean malt-forward palate, delicate bitterness, dry and refreshing finish
- Body: Light and sessionable
Pair it with a gluten free pretzel, a schnitzel, or anything coming off the grill at your backyard Oktoberfest.
Where to Get It
The TWØBAYS Gluten Free Helles Lager is available:
- Online HERE shipped Australia-wide
- In cans from independent bottle shops across the country
- On tap at TWØBAYS Taproom in Dromana, The Freehouse in Collingwood, and gluten free friendly venues nationwide
- At the brewery in Dromana, Mornington Peninsula - come and try it in person, on tap and for takeaway while stocks last.
If you're heading to any Oktoberfest events this season, ask your venue if they're stocking TWØBAYS. More and more event organisers understand that inclusive beer is better beer for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TWØBAYS Helles Lager safe for coeliacs?
Yes. TWØBAYS Brewing is a dedicated gluten free brewery based in Dromana, Victoria. There is no shared equipment with gluten-containing beers. Every beer TWØBAYS makes is brewed exclusively gluten free, making it suitable for people with coeliac disease.
What is a Helles Lager?
A Helles Lager is a pale, malt-forward German lager style originating in Munich in 1894. "Helles" means "bright" or "pale" in Bavarian German. It's characterised by a golden colour, gentle malt sweetness, low bitterness, and a clean, dry finish. Munich Helles is one of the most popular everyday beer styles in Germany and is commonly served at Oktoberfest.
How is TWØBAYS' gluten free Helles Lager different from a regular lager?
The beer style and flavour profile are the same as a traditional Munich Helles Lager - the difference is that TWØBAYS brews it with gluten free grains in a fully dedicated gluten free facility, with no risk of cross-contamination. You get the full lager experience without the gluten.
Is TWØBAYS Helles Lager available Australia-wide?
Yes. It's available via the TWØBAYS online store with Australia-wide shipping, and through selected independent bottle shops and Oktoberfest events. Check the website for stockist details near you.
What Oktoberfest food pairs well with a Helles Lager?
Helles Lager is a classic match for traditional German fare: soft pretzels, wurst (Bavarian sausage), schnitzel, sauerkraut, and grilled meats. Its clean, malt-forward character complements salty and savoury foods beautifully.
Does TWØBAYS Brewing have Coeliac Australia endorsement?
Yes, TWØBAYS Brewing Co is a dedicated gluten free brewery and all our core range beers are endorsed by Coeliac Australia.
