Blonde Ale
CraftRoots Brewing

 

 

 

A very strong pour is needed to reach a finger of fizzy white foam, at first the head is very thin while fine bubbles rise and build the head up to a finger of creamy froth, below average retention and small sporadic spots of lace. Chill haze fades to a very clear yellow-straw color with a hint of yellow-gold in bright light.

Mild smell of pale and lightly toasted malt, flat bread and faint spicy hops lead to the taste.

The taste begins semi-sweet and mildly bitter, it bitters and drys throughout the drink and into the aftertaste. The aftertaste is long and bitter and dries quickly yet is not astringent.
A mix of fruit bowl fruits (no banana) adds sweetness while spice and hops creates balance.

Medium plus body bolstered by the abundant malt, plenty of carbonation despite the jump-start needed get things going. Smooth, almost session-able.

Spicy for the style, a Blonde Ale not a Golden. Brewery fresh with bright, clean flavors.

 

 

 

 

From the website:

"This balanced blonde ale is a burst of mellow malt flavor with a subtle touch of fresh hops. Bright and refreshing, this beer shines. 6% abv, 35 IBUs."

A gift from my friends Diane & Jeff. CraftRoots Brewing is apparently a new nano, with an emphasis on locally grown ingredients.

My first taste, a 22oz bomber poured into a New City 12oz pint glass. (Okay, 12oz ain't a pint, and it took two passes, nitpickers ...) Light and foggy, not much of a nose hopwise as this brew features the distinctive Valley Malt grains. Fine but sparse curtain, looks like a quality offering. Tastes fresh and malty, but not sweet. It is a very fine ale, sessionable and nicely balanced. Excellent & recommended.