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This is supposed to be a blonde. I mean, it's a Belgian-style blonde, and I'm not sure what difference is that really beings. Maybe it'll have Belgian yeast that I love. Either way, nothing is explaining why this tops the Blonde chart at an impressive 9.5% ABV. That is comfortably outside the normal range of a blonde, but it's not outside that of a Belgian ale. This might be good.
That's pretty dark for a blonde, isn't it? I can't even argue that's a dirty blonde or even a dishwater blonde. That is basically tangerine orange. The sucker is pretty cloudy, too. There isn't a ton of head jumping out at me, and I don't think I'm getting any lacing. It smells nice. It has light pomegranate, tangerine, and orange. I think I may like this new take on a blonde.
First sip is solid stone fruits (your apricots, nectarines, and maybe even a cherry on top). The yeast doesn't taste Belgian, but it's not half bad. The result is a rather pleasing (if strident) personality that I can get behind. Spices are all that left on the tongue when the fruits die off, and the effect is fairly dry. That's okay, as it makes me want to just go grab a full swig.
Tip-in is yeast, spice, apricot, and tangerine with very little carbonation. The middle is smooth and creamy with fruit esters and spices. The yeast resurges for the finish and brings tartness with it into the trail off.
Bottom Line: That'll do, gnome.
3.0/5
