Beer Styles 201: What is a Golden Ale / Blonde Ale?
Golden Ales & Blonde Ales: where they come from, their appearance, flavour & aroma, palate & mouthfeel, food pairings and serving suggestionss are all explained in this Beer Styles 201 article.
By The Beer Community on Mar. 22, 2016
What is a Golden Ale / Blonde Ale?
Golden Ales are a straw to medium blonde ale that have a moderate bitterness and maltiness.
These light coloured ales tend to be clear, crisp and dry, so they go well with foods that, like their colour, are light.
Blonde / Golden Ales are not as popular in North America as they are in UK, Europe and South America.
Blonde Ale / Golden Ale Essential Information:
Golden & Blonde Ale Style Region:
In England, these are called Summer Ales. In North America, they include anything from Light Ale and Cream Ale to Blonde Ale.
Appearance:
Blonde Ale beers are usually clear with a colour that ranges from straw to amber and a weaker head.
Flavour & Aroma:
The malt of Golden Ales gives the beer grainy or bread flavours and a sweet character. They also have a fruity character from the yeast and a slight hop bitterness.
Palate & Mouthfeel:
With moderate carbonation and medium weight, Golden / Blonde Ales have little to no after-taste and a smooth texture.
What foods pair well with Golden Ales / Blonde Ales?
Think summer foods and lightness. Foods like grilled chicken, seafood, pasta, light salads and mild cheeses.
How to serve a Blonde Ale:
This is a hot weather beer for sure, but there is still a big debate as to whether it should be served chilled or at room temp. Use your own judgement.
Comparable styles to a Blonde Ale / Golden Ale: