A new, local brewer has been making a very fine American Blonde with about 35 IBUs. This is a style I've mostly ignored until now but it did cause me to re-investigate Victory Summer Love, which isn't quite as bitter but is quite good. I've looked over the ratings for Blondes and Summer Love is at the top. The local brew is as good or better to my tastes. Seems to me this style can fit in a similar nitch as a Hoppy Pils. Anyone else finding new twists on the Blonde style; American or otherwise?
Hoppy blondes are American pale ales. The only difference between the two styles is one is hoppy and one is not. Edit: I guess I should have said "core difference" as they can definitely differ more than that. But many APAs are the same beer as a blonde except with more hops.
Yes, I take your point that a malty APA and a Hoppy Blonde would overlap style-wise. I looked up the BJCP guidelines for an American Blonde and here's part of what it says Flavor: Initial soft malty sweetness, but optionally some light character malt flavor (e.g., bread, toast, biscuit, wheat) can also be present. Caramel flavors typically absent. Low to medium esters optional, but are commonly found in many examples. Light to moderate hop flavor (any variety), but shouldn’t be overly aggressive. Low to medium bitterness, but the balance is normally towards the malt. Finishes medium-dry to somewhat sweet. No diacetyl. I recently tried Deschutes' Twillight Summer Ale, which is also a Blonde, but I liked Summer Love more.
I have a friend who brewed for a few Brewpubs way back when. Essentially, he said that the first official batch they brewed in a new setup would be a Blonde, because it would give them info about the utilization of the system, and attenuation of the yeast, without using up the more expensive ingredients. If it sold well, it would become the house 'Blonde Ale' from then on- so the style doesn't exactly have noble beginnings. Then again, every now and then you will come across versions that are a cut above, and specifically designed to be a regular offering. Those are definitely good beers- although you really can't tell just from style classification alone which one you are going to get.
I should add that Summer Love is at the top based on the number of reviews. Hill Farmstead's Walden is the highest rated Blonde (big surprise ;>)
I've been enjoying Real Ale 4 squared, which I do believe is meant as a hopped up version of their Fireman's 4 Blonde. It isn't anything too special, and carb is in the realm of soda really, but flavor is pretty good. A little toasty, malty, lightly bitter.
Cellarmaker made a blonde using German Mandarina Bavaria and South African J-17 hops fermented with the Orval yeast strain. I wasn't expecting much but the interplay of hops and yeast in that beer was absolutely fantastic. Slightly sweet with huge mango, passion fruit, and orange notes.
I've been enjoying Widmer Brothers Citra Blond. While overall it's a pretty balanced beer, the Citra hops give it a nice citrus and tropical flavor.
Blonde Ale = Belgian Pale Ale. I don't think there's such thing as hoppy Blonde ales. They all seem to be wit/saison like.
I had my first Summer Love of the season last night; a pint at a local beer bar. Damn that beer is good! Victory is my absolute favorite Blonde Ale! I should caveat that I have not had a chance to try Hill Farmstead's Walden yet. A local beer bar had a Hill Farmstead event last summer and Walden was one of the beers on tap. Unfortunately Walden had kicked by the time I arrived. I did find solace in drinking some Hill Farmstead Edward, Abner and Everett instead. Cheers!
Odells makes a session American Blonde called Loose Leaf its hoppy crisp and refreshing its a Blonde but more like an IPL
