Do I really want to make a blonde ale?

**JLem** · 04-18-2009, 06:46 PM

I was thinking of making up a blonde ale. Mostly because I want to try something different and since blonde ales are often suggested as a good summer brew. I've made an irish red, a stout, a pale ale, and a porter. Not surprisingly, these are also the types of beer that I usually drink. When drinking out, pale ales are the lightest beer I order.

So, do I want to brew a blonde ale? Are there any good micro versions that I might be able to get my hands on to try and see if I even like blonde ales? What kind of taste are we talking here - a souped up Bud? Alternatively, what suggestions do you have for another brew to make (note: I am not generally a hefe or belgium-style fan).

Thanks.

**ChshreCat** · 04-18-2009, 06:49 PM

Not sure how in style it is, but I've had the Redhook Blonde many times. You might look for that one.

**Edcculus** · 04-18-2009, 06:49 PM

Theres nothing wrong with a nice light crisp blonde ale on a hot summer day. I just brewed a Kolsch, which is as light colored as can be. Its very refreshing, and much more flavorful than any BMC.

jigidyjim · 04-18-2009, 07:42 PM

I made the blonde ale kit from oakbarrel.com for my first brew. I thought the aroma and crispness were awesome and a great level of hops, but found the body lacking and light.

However, it has been a real crowd pleaser, and my wife loved it, so that's a huge bonus

**beerthirty** · 04-18-2009, 07:48 PM

Try BM's Centennial Blonde. Nice hop flavor in a nice light beer. Its a crowd pleaser.

ifishsum · 04-18-2009, 08:00 PM

BM's recipe is indeed a good example. That said, blonde ales are rather bland IMO when compared to the other styles you listed. I'm not a big fan of them myself, I'd much rather have a nice hoppy pale ale on a hot summer day than any blonde ale. My BMC drinking friends just raved about the batch of BM's blonde ale I made, but since I brew to please my own taste I haven't made it since. Just my opinion of course - if you haven't yet tried making the style you probably should at some point just for that reason, to increase your repertoire.

**AnOldUR** · 04-18-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edcculus

Theres nothing wrong with a nice light crisp blonde ale on a hot summer day. I just brewed a Kolsch, which is as light colored as can be. Its very refreshing, and much more flavorful than any BMC.

There is some overlapping between Kolsch and Blonde Ale. Given what you've said, you may be more pleased if you lean towards a Kolsch recipe. It can be a more challenging beer to brew.

Here's some Blonde Ale information:

Quote:

History: Currently produced by many (American) microbreweries
and brewpubs. Regional variations exist (many West
Coast brewpub examples are more assertive, like pale ales) but
in most areas this beer is designed as the entry-level craft beer.

Comments: In addition to the more common American Blonde
Ale, this category can also include modern English Summer
Ales, American Kölsch-style beers, and less assertive American
and English pale ales.

Commercial Examples: Pelican Kiwanda Cream Ale, Russian
River Aud Blonde, Rogue Oregon Golden Ale, Widmer Blonde
Ale, Fuller’s Summer Ale, Hollywood Blonde, Redhook
Blonde

lowlife · 04-18-2009, 08:05 PM

I always brew what I like to drink. I used to try to brew what I thought others would think is a good beer. Now I brew what I want and don't go out of my way to share my beer with anyone (except other brewers with exchanges). Thats just me though.

**JLem** · 04-18-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowlife

I always brew what I like to drink. I used to try to brew what I thought others would think is a good beer. Now I brew what I want and don't go out of my way to share my beer with anyone (except other brewers with exchanges). Thats just me though.

I get that, but I'm less interested in brewing the blonde for others than I am in trying to brew something new. That said, I'm not planning on brewing a belgium wit anytime soon since I know I really dislike them. Since I'm not particularly familiar with blonde ales, I wanted to get some feedback before I jumped into one.

From the rest of the posts, sounds like a well-done blonde can be quite nice.

**BlindLemonLars** · 04-18-2009, 08:17 PM

The light body makes them crisp and refreshing, but they can be a little bland. That's why I find a little lemon is a nice touch.