Searchlight Golden Ale
Alcatraz Brewing Co.

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From:
Alcatraz Brewing Co.
 
California, United States
Style:
American Blonde Ale
ABV:
4.5%
Score:
78
Avg:
2.99 | pDev: 17.06%
Ratings:
10 | reviews: 4
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Sep 05, 2025
Added:
Mar 18, 2008
Wants:
  0
Gots:
  0
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 3 by doctorgary from New York

Sep 05, 2025
 
Rated: 3 by likesbeer from California

May 06, 2013
 
Rated: 3 by g_jenkins from California

Oct 03, 2012
 
Rated: 4 by t0rin0 from California

Aug 11, 2012
 
Rated: 2.75 by pperez38 from California

Dec 01, 2011
 
Rated: 3 by Beefytits4 from Illinois

Nov 25, 2011
Photo of BeerFMAndy
Reviewed by BeerFMAndy from Wisconsin

3.72/5  rDev +24.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
4 oz tap pour in a mini American tumbler pint glass. 4.5% ABV. Had at Alcatraz Brewing Co. at The Block in Cali.

A - The clear pale yellow straw beer is decently carbonated and has a low white head that leaves a thin coat of lace as it goes down.

S - Searchlight starts with a low aroma of crisp clean hops and pale malts and never really gets stronger. While nothing is defined in the aroma, nothing bad is hiding either. It's not a bad nose for a light golden ale, it's just somewhat weak.

T - Tasty pale and pils malts blend well with a low hop presence that remains undefined. The flavor is crisp and clean with a nice balance in flavor. Again, nothing is outstanding but it's not offensive in the least.

M - This ale seems more like a lager with how crisp and clean it is. It's body is light and it goes down smooth and refreshes nicely.

D - Searchlight should be the beacon of hope for the other beers as this is by far the easiest drinking and the best overall. It's a perfect lawnmower summer refresher that can be put down with no problem at all.
Jun 01, 2010
Photo of brokensail
Reviewed by brokensail from California

2.65/5  rDev -11.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
On-tap at Alcatraz (Orange)

A: The color is a rather unimpressive pale golden color with a small white head.

S: The nose is similarly unimpressive with very little aroma coming from the glass. Maybe a hint of citrus.

T: A slight improvement with the flavor as there is at least some (sweet) malt and grain. Nearly Adjunct Lager in flavor.

M: Light in body with moderate carbonation.

D: If you're into macro lagers, this one is for you. Disappointing, but not terribly surprising.
Jan 20, 2010
Photo of hopdog
Reviewed by hopdog from Pennsylvania

2.1/5  rDev -29.8%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
On tap at the Alcatraz Brew Pub located in Anaheim, CA.

This one poured a lighter and clear golden color with a small sized head. Aromas of, well, not much. Tastes of the same non-descriptness. Typical Blonde Ale profile - generic sweet malts with some graininess. Light and thin body.
Dec 02, 2008
Photo of charlzm
Reviewed by charlzm from California

2.66/5  rDev -11%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
Consumed at brewery, 03/17/08.

Clear, light golden hue with active bubbles and a thin foam skin.

I could not detect any aroma from the taster glass.

Flavor is mainly a bit of sweet malt. There's a tad of bitterness near the finish. Nicely, there's no corn flavor. Mouthfeel is a little astringent and yet also coats the mouth and tongue a bit.

Flavor is really nothing special. This is about on par with their light lager, which makes me wonder why they would serve two almost identical beers...
Mar 18, 2008