Easy and Clean

American Blonde ale, also known as Golden Ale, is clean, balanced and refreshing.   Often marked as a good entry level craft beer as it tends to be absent of any aggressive flavours, but with a bit more character than the very neutral American Lagers or Cream Ales.  Believed to have come about around 1987, it is often made as a more quickly producible alternative to lagers. Typically an all malt concoction,  but some wheat or sugar adjuncts do make their way into some examples. As the hop character is low, pretty much any variety are fair game, as it is with the yeast where clean American ale, fruity English ale, Kӧlsh, or even lager yeast can be used. 

Key Stats

  • ABV 3.8-5.5%
  • IBU 15-28
  • SRM 3-6
  • Glassware: Standard Pint
  • Serving Temp 4-7°C (40-45°F)

When you pour this, expect a light yellow to deep gold, clear beer with a low white head that should stick around for a bit.  Not a lot on the nose here, just a low malt, grain or light bread quality, maybe some very light caramel.  You may find some very light fruitiness but generally yeast character is clean.  Hop aroma is pretty low, usually more floral and citrusy than big tropical fruits and resin. This should go down pretty smooth, with a medium-light to medium body and fairly decent carbonation.  We’re not looking for a lot of overwhelming taste here either,  just soft malt, maybe a bit of bread, perhaps light toast, and pretty low hop flavour consistent with the aroma.  Bitterness here is going to me medium to medium-low but always second to malt, and the finish is going to stay malty but medium-dry.  

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