Sparkle Pony
Black Hammer Brewing

I agree that this is a Belgian Pale, but unfortunately it is not a good one.
Not lively, not fruity, and its sweetness is not even really balanced by hops. All are below the style's average. And then at the finish, it is light-mouthed in a delicate style. I don't know what happened to Sparkle Pony, or how it got to be Black Hammer's most rated brew on BA.

Perhaps too negative a beer review, I do give Black Hammer good Overall Hugs. They have two taprooms, one in the neighbourhood I lived in for eight years towards the end of the middle 20th Century (mid 1970s to early 1980s.) More important, Black Hammer represents SF's spirit of inclusivity and free expression. And while I like the can's graphics, I just wish Sparkle Pony was a brew I could ride again.

 

Pours a clear, brilliant yellow with a foamy head. Aroma is malt, light and sweet. Taste is not well carbonated, but is quite well within the Belgian character. Mouthfeel is light and malty with a sweet finish.

 

 

 

 

I had this beer on-tap at the brewery in a tulip.

Appearance: medium gold hue with a total clarity; head is a thin layer of white foam. 375

Smell: a bit on the sweet side with a bit of malty character. Not bad, if a little sweet. 35

Taste: sweet and a bit cloying with a fair shake of Belgian character. It's alright, but like the aroma, kind of a syrup bomb. 35

Mouthfeel: medium body with a good carbonation and decent creaminess. 375

Overall: an interesting Belgian pale. A little too sweet for my taste, but not the worst thing around. 35

This isn't an American blonde, it's a Belgian Blonde or pale ale according to my taste buds and the brewery. Unfortunately it's an undrinkable mess. Poured a clear dark amber but flat in the pint shaker at the brewery tasting room.

Weird fruit juice taste with slight dry yeasty flavor. Thickish body. Flat. Undrinkable.