25A Belgian Blond Ale

Question 1

25A Belgian Blond Ale - Overall Impression

Answer 1

A moderate-strength golden ale that has a subtle fruity-spicy Belgian yeast complexity, slightly malty-sweet flavor, and dry finish.

Question 2

25A Belgian Blond Ale - Aroma

Answer 2

Light earthy or spicy hop nose, along with a lightly grainy-sweet malt character. Shows a subtle yeast character that may include spicy phenolics, perfumy or honey-like alcohol, or yeasty, fruity esters (commonly orange-like or lemony). Light sweetness that may have a slightly sugar-like character. Subtle yet complex.

Question 3

25A Belgian Blond Ale - Appearance

Answer 3

Light to deep gold color. Generally very clear. Large, dense, and creamy white to off-white head. Good head retention with Belgian lace.

Question 4

25A Belgian Blond Ale - Flavor

Answer 4

Smooth, light to moderate grainy-sweet malt flavor initially, but finishes medium-dry to dry with some smooth alcohol becoming evident in the aftertaste. Medium hop and alcohol bitterness to balance. Light hop flavor, can be spicy or earthy. Very soft yeast character (esters and alcohols, which are sometimes perfumy or orange/lemon-like). Light spicy phenolics optional. Some lightly caramelized sugar or honey-like sweetness on palate.

Question 5

25A Belgian Blond Ale - Mouthfeel

Answer 5

Medium-high to high carbonation, can give mouth-filling bubbly sensation. Medium body. Light to moderate alcohol warmth, but smooth. Can be somewhat creamy.

Question 6

25A Belgian Blond Ale - Characteristic Ingredients

Answer 6

Belgian Pils malt, aromatic malts, sugar, Belgian yeast strains that produce complex alcohol, phenolics and perfumy esters, Saazer-type, Styrian Goldings, or East Kent Goldings hops. Spices are not traditionally used, although the ingredients and fermentation by-products may give an impression of spicing (often reminiscent of oranges or lemons). If spices are present, should be a background character only.

Question 7

25A Belgian Blond Ale - Style Comparison

Answer 7

Similar strength as a Dubbel, similar character as a Belgian Strong Golden Ale or Tripel, although a bit sweeter and not as bitter.

Question 8

25A Belgian Blond Ale - Comments

Answer 8

Often has an almost lager-like character, which gives it a cleaner profile in comparison to many other Belgian styles. Belgians use the term Blond, while the French spell it Blonde. Most commercial examples are in the 6.5 – 7% ABV range. Many Trappist or artisanal Belgian beers are called Blond but those are not representative of this style.

Question 9

25A Belgian Blond Ale - History

Answer 9

Relatively recent development to further appeal to European Pils drinkers, becoming more popular as it is heavily marketed and widely distributed.

Question 10

25A Belgian Blond Ale - Commerical Examples

Answer 10

Affligem Blond, Grimbergen Blond, La Trappe Blond, Leffe Blond, Val-Dieu Blond

Question 11

25A Belgian Blond Ale - OG

Answer 11

1.062-1.075

Question 12

25A Belgian Blond Ale - FG

Answer 12

1.008-1.018

Question 13

25A Belgian Blond Ale - ABV

Answer 13

6-7.5

Question 14

25A Belgian Blond Ale - IBU

Answer 14

15-30

Question 15

25A Belgian Blond Ale - SRM

Answer 15

4-7