Belgian Blond Ale

Glassware: Tulip
  • 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.

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

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