Guinness Blonde American Lager

I've well documented that Guinness messed up their fantastic draught bottles. Then, they came out with their black lager, and that was just... what were they thinking? So, right now they produce the cans, and that's about the best they can put out. When they announced the Blonde American Lager, I was skeptical, but I want to find a good beer from them, dammit!

If someone said they wanted a beer to be gold - proper gold - the brewers would work industriously to get the color of this beverage. There isn't a lot of head on it, and what is there doesn't last. There's absolutely no lacing on the sides of the glass. The aroma is fruity and sweet malt. I'm looking forward to this more than I thought.

First sip is unlike pretty much any actual American Lager I've had - certainly unlike the macro brews. It's kind of bready up front with a lot of fruit on the way out. It's not bad, but it's not knocking my socks off.  Maybe an American swig...

Tip-in is an unexpected slight carbonation burn with kind of a grainy malt. The middle is nearly tasteless and watery. There may be a spice or two in there, but it is almost nothing. Someone might say that it is smooth, but it's really just watery. The finish is more, though. It is fruity and biscuit malt with kind of a harsh ending.

Bottom Line: Not bad, but not great. Guinness is no longer the standard barer for excellent beverages. They are now an also-ran.

2.25/5