Belgian Blond Ale

Belgian Blond Ale is a moderate version of Belgian strong ale designed to appeal to European Pilsner drinkers.

History

Belgian Blonde Ale is a recent innovation on the older Belgian Strong Ale style. It was designed to appeal to European Pilsner drinkers and has a moderate strength but retains some Belgian complexity.

Description

Medium body. Somewhat malty sweetness, but medium-dry to dry finish. Medium hop and alcohol balance. Light spicy/earthy hop flavor. Some candi-sugar sweetness. Light to deep gold color. Highly carbonated. Recent development meant to appeal to European Pilsner drinkers. Becoming more popular over time. A medium strength golden ale with Belgian complexity.

Characteristics

• Color Range: 4.0-6.0 SRM
• Original Gravity Range: 1.062-1.075 SG
• Final Gravity Range: 1.008-1.016 SG
• Bitterness Range: 20.0-30.0 IBU
• Alcohol by Volume Range: 6.0-7.5 %
• Carbonation Range: 2.2-2.8 vols
• BJCP Style Number: 18 A

Ingredients

• Belgian pilsner malt
• Aromatic malts
• Candi sugar or sucrose
• Belgian yeast strains produce complex character
• Noble Styrian Goldings or East Kent Goldings hops
• No spices

Examples

• Leffe Blond, Grimbergen Blond, Val-Dieu Blond, Pater Lieven Blond Abbey Ale, Affigen Blond, La Trappe Blond

See Also

• Styles