Beer School

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

Beer Styles 201: What is a Golden Ale / Blonde Ale?

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:

Pale Lager

 

Now that you’re a Golden and Blonde Ale expert, check out more beer styles below:

Amber Ale / Dark Ale
Amber Lager / Dark Lager
Barleywine
Belgian IPA / White India Pale Ale
Berliner Weisse
Bock
Double IPA / Imperial IPA
Golden Lager / Pale Lager
Gose
Gruit Beer
India Pale Ale (IPA)
Pilsner
Porter
Saison
Sour Ale / Wild Ale
Stout
Strong Ale
Weizenbock
Wheat Beer

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