- USA
- Ale
- ABV = 3.8 – 5.5% (Lower to normal)^
- IBU = 15-28
- SRM = 3-6
A gold-coloured American ale with subtle and well-balanced fruit, hop, and malt character.
Typically has more flavour than American Lager. Less bitterness than American Pale Ale.
Appearance:
- Colour^ = Straw to gold
- Clarity = Clear
Key Aromas & Flavours:
Aroma
- Malt = Low to moderate; malty sweet, lightly bready or caramelly
- Yeast = None to moderate; fruity, if present
- Hops = Low to moderate; citrusy, floral, fruity or spicy
Flavour
- Malt = Low; malty sweet (optional: bread, toast, biscuit, or wheat)
- Yeast = None to moderate; fruity, if present
- Hops = Low to moderate; citrusy, floral, fruity, or spicy
- Perceived Bitterness^ = Moderate
- Balance = Normally towards the malt, or even between malt and hops
Aftertaste/Finish
Finishes medium-dry to slightly malty-sweet; any impression of sweetness is often due to a lower bitterness level than actual residual sweetness
Mouthfeel:
- Body = Medium; smooth
- Carbonation = Medium to high
Characteristic Ingredients/Processes:
- Malt = Two-row malt (may include up to 25% wheat malt)
- Yeast = Clean American, lightly fruity English, or Kölsch ale yeast; may also be made with lager yeast, or cold-conditioned
- Hops = Any hop varietals
Historical Development:
American craft beer alternative to standard American Lager, typically offered as an entry-level craft beer. Often produced by microbreweries and brewpubs who cannot produce lagers.
Commercial Examples:
Kona Big Wave Golden Ale, Victory Summer Love, Widmer Citra Summer Blonde Brew
^Sourced from the Cicerone Certification Program’s International Certified Beer Server Syllabus.
All other information is sourced from the BJCP 2015 Style Guidelines.
