- 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.
Discovering Beer is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Cicerone® Certification Program.
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