Blonde Ale
Blonde ale is a pale, light-bodied ale with low bitterness and a soft, slightly fruity character. It is the craft brewery's answer to a lager drinker, and it is usually the lightest beer on a taproom board.
Food pairings
- Salads and grilled chicken
- Fish tacos
- Sushi
Glassware and serving temperature
Shaker pint or pilsner glass41 to 46°F (5–8°C)
What it tastes like
Light bread and honey from the malt, a faint fruitiness from the ale yeast, a mild hop note and a clean finish. It is rounder and a touch fruitier than a lager, and much less hoppy than a pale ale.
Where it comes from
American craft brewers created blonde ale in the 1980s and 1990s as an entry point for drinkers who found their pale ales and IPAs too bitter. It is brewed with ale yeast because small breweries rarely had the cold storage that lager needs. Kölsch is its German cousin.
How to serve it
5–8°C in a shaker pint or pilsner glass. It is best fresh and is not a beer for ageing.
What to eat with it
Salads, grilled chicken, fish tacos, light pasta, sushi and mild cheese.
