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Introduction to Blonde Beers
The sun is out, and you’re heading to the beach or lounging on your patio. What sort of beer are you opening? There’s no shortage of options when it comes to highly drinkable beer. There are plenty of beer styles falling into the lager category, but ales can be just as drinkable. If you assumed all ales were either an IPA or a stout, you’ve been missing out on a lighter and more sessionable option like a Blonde Ale.
It doesn’t grab the headlines like other craft beers, but this underrated ale is worth exploring. Here’s everything you need to know about drinking Blonde Ale, including which ones to try:
What Makes a Blonde Ale?
Blonde Ales are a light-bodied ale (meaning it’s top-fermented as opposed to lager beer) that features low alcohol content and bitterness. There are a few styles of beer that are very similar and sometimes even interchangeable, including Golden Ale and Cream Ale. While the style may sound bland, the fruity esters and light spicy notes from Belgian yeast make the subtle flavors of a Blonde Ale a favorite for plenty of aficionados. Balance is everything for this style, with mild bitterness and subtle hop presence playing with malt sweetness that finishes dry.
Appearance, Aroma, and Flavor Profile
Appearance: Blonde Ales will pour slightly clear with a beautiful white head. Colors will range from a pale gold to light amber.
Aroma: The Belgian yeast is the star here, even if American craft brewers more aggressively hop it, as you’ll get soft notes of pear, banana, or even clove.
Flavor: There will be a breadiness from the malt base that’s slightly sweet with some fruitiness. Unless the brewer decides to brew a “hoppy” version, there will be low bitterness and a smooth finish.
Mouthfeel: Blonde Ales have a medium or even light body with moderate carbonation, so it’s highly drinkable and “crispy” (according to beer nerds).
How Is a Blonde Ale Brewed?
Balance and drinkability are keys, so brewers will utilize the following methods and ingredients:
- Malt & Hops: Pale malts, milder (mostly Noble) hop varieties like Willamette or Cascade and yeast are the primary ingredients.
- Yeast: Blonde ales use Belgian, American, or English ale yeast strains that will impart nice esters and aromas. It’s top-fermented, like other ales.
- Fermentation: After primary fermentation, blonde ales are cold-conditioned to clarify and refine flavors. This contributes to the drinkability of the beer.
- Flavor Additions: Honey, orange peel, or spices are often used in some craft versions. Citrus fruits are especially welcome for summer sipping.
Blonde Ale vs Other Pale Beers
- Pale Ale: More hop-forward and bitter, a pale ale is slightly less drinkable than a blonde ale.
- Pilsner: This lager will be crisper, drier, with a nice bitter finish from the noble hops.
- Golden Ale: These are basically interchangeable, but golden ales can be slightly fruitier or sweeter
- Kölsch: Hybrid ale/lager style, a Kolsch is drier and more delicate. It drinks like a lager, essentially.
Alcohol Content and Bitterness
- ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 4.0–5.5%
- IBU (Bitterness Units): Usually 15–25 IBU
Blonde ales are quite sessionable as the low alcohol and low bitterness mean drinkers won’t suffer from palate fatigue or excessive intoxication.
Food Pairings with Blonde Ales
- Grilled chicken or turkey won’t overpower the subtlety of a Blonde Ale.
- Fresh salads with vinaigrette dressing will be more flavorful but complementary to a blonde ale.
- Fish tacos that don’t have too much spice
- Soft cheeses (e.g., brie, gouda) will play nicely with the Belgian yeast used in a Golden Ale
- Light pasta dishes, especially with a white or vodka sauce
- Wood-fired pizza with a white sauce
- Brunch (especially with eggs benedict or quiche) is an option – with the Blonde Ale being a nice alternative to a mimosa.
Popular Blonde Ales to Try
Firestone Walker 805 (4.7% ABV)
One of the quintessential California craft beers that’s not a piney West Coast IPA, 805 epitomizes what a blonde ale should be. Firestone Walker packs a ton of flavor into such a refreshing beer, and it’s both dependable and available all over the country.
Begyle Blonde (5.4% ABV)
Chicago’s brewing scene is strong, but there’s only one blonde in town, and that’s Begyle’s. This underrated outfit on the north side of the city uses locally sourced Midwestern honey and noble hops for a clean-drinking beer that finishes dry with fruity aromas.
Perennial Artisan Ales Southside Blonde (5.5% ABV)
This St. Louis brewery is known for its barrel-aged stouts and funky wild ales, but they’ve knocked their sessionable Belgian-style blonde ale out of the park. The lighter body and mild hops allow the fruitiness from the yeast to really shine.
New Glarus Spotted Cow (4.8% ABV)
This has been labeled a “farmhouse ale” and a “cream ale” in years past, but Spotted Cow’s yeast-forward aromas, Saaz hops, and Pilsner malt make it indistinguishable from traditional blonde ales. This Wisconsin-only release is highly coveted in neighboring states, and you can imagine having a few of these during weekends at the lake.
Kona Big Wave (4.4% ABV)
If you’ve ever needed a post-surf beer, you’ll want it to be as refreshing as this beautiful blonde ale. With clear and golden hues and a slight grassy hop aroma, Big Wave knows how to bring flavor and refreshment in a single can.
Glutenberg Blonde (4.5% ABV)
Considering the lighter body and mouth feel that blonde ales are meant to have, it’s the perfect gluten-free beer to brew. And when you consider how prolific and consistently excellent Glutenberg has been serving gluten-sensitive drinkers, their blonde ale was bound to be great. Herbal and lemony aromas precede a bone-dry finish that’s ideal for summer barbecues.
New Belgium Fat Tire (New Recipe) (5.2% ABV)
After decades of serving the beloved Amber ale, the Colorado brewery decided to change the recipe and branding of Fat Tire to make it more drinkable. While longtime fans might miss the malty sweetness of the original, the new blonde ale version is perfectly balanced and crisp with a light biscuit sweetness that stacks up to the sky-high standards of New Belgium.
Blonde Ale FAQs
Is blonde ale bitter?
There may be light bitterness for blonde ales brewed with certain hops, but they generally have very low bitterness.
How long can you store a blonde ale?
Not particularly long, as it’s advisable to listen to any freshness instructions on the packaging.
Is blonde ale good for beginners?
It’s great for everyone! But beginners will find a nice balance between flavor and drinkability.
Does blonde ale have wheat in it?
Blonde ales are not meant to be brewed with wheat, but this kind of malt has been known to pop up in recipes.
Conclusion: Is a Blonde Ale Right for You?
If you’re a light beer drinker or are new to craft beer, this is the perfect starting point for exploring more interesting options. If you’re a hop head or like robust stouts, a Blonde Ale will probably underwhelm. But there is a time (summer) and a place (patio) for a Blonde Ale!
