- Belgium
- Ale
- ABV = 6.0 – 7.5% (Elevated)^
- IBU = 15-30
- SRM = 4-7
A moderately strong Belgian golden ale with subtle fruity and spicy yeast character and a malty-sweet flavour.
Similar strength as Belgian Dubbel. Similar character as Belgian Golden Strong Ale or Belgian Tripel, but a bit sweeter and not as bitter.
Appearance:
- Colour^ = Light gold to gold
- Clarity = Very clear
Key Aromas & Flavours:
Aroma
- Malt = Low; grainy-sweet, slightly sugar-like
- Yeast = Low; fruity esters (orange, lemon) / low; spicy phenols / low; perfumy or honey-like alcohol
- Hops = Low; earthy or spicy
Flavour
- Malt = Low to moderate; grainy sweet with a light caramelized sugar or honey-like sweetness
- Yeast = Very low; fruity esters (orange, lemon) / None to low; spicy phenols / Very low; perfumy alcohol
- Hops = Low; earthy or spicy
- Perceived Bitterness^ = Low
- Balance = Even; both the hops and alcohol help to balance malt’s sweetness
Aftertaste/Finish
Finishes medium-dry to dry, with some smooth alcohol becoming evident in the aftertaste
Mouthfeel:
- Body = Medium
- Carbonation = Medium to high
- Alcohol warmth = Light to moderate alcohol warmth, smooth
Characteristic Ingredients/Processes:
- Malt = Pilsner malt, plus pale sugar syrup
- Yeast = Belgian ale yeast
- Hops = Continental or English hop varietals (Saazer-type, Styrian Goldings or East Kent Goldings hops are traditional)
Historical Development:
A relatively recent development to further appeal to European pale Pilsner-style lager drinkers; becoming more popular as it is heavily marketed and widely distributed.
Often has an almost lager-like character, which gives it a cleaner profile in comparison to many other Belgian styles.
Commercial Examples:
Affligem Blond, La Trappe Blond, Leffe Blond
^Sourced from the Cicerone Certification Program’s International Certified Beer Server Syllabus.
All other information is sourced from the BJCP 2015 Style Guidelines.
