BJCP 2021 / 18A

Blonde Ale

An easy-drinking, malty-leaning pale ale with a little hop interest.

Drink fresh
standard strength
pale color
any fermentation
north america

Serve: 42 to 48F, Pint

OG1.120

1.038 to 1.054

FG1.030

1.008 to 1.013

IBU120

15 to 28

SRM40

3 to 6

ABV14%

3.8 to 5.5%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts

Sweet pale malt, bread or honey
Low to medium hop, floral or citrusy
A hint of fruit from the yeast is fine

Vague: Malty
Better: Light malt and a little hop
Best: Low to moderate bready malt with low floral and citrus hop, faint fruity ester, clean

Appearance

3 pts

Light yellow to deep gold
Clear to brilliant
White head, medium retention

Vague: Gold
Better: Gold and clear
Best: Pale to deep gold, bright to brilliant, white head with moderate retention

Flavor

20 pts

Light bread or honey malt
Subtle hop flavor
Low to moderate bitterness and a smooth finish

Vague: Mild
Better: Light malt and gentle hop
Best: Low bready and honey malt sweetness, low to moderate citrus and floral hop, low-moderate bitterness, smooth finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts

Medium-light to medium body
Medium to high carbonation
Smooth

Vague: Light
Better: Medium-light, smooth, lively
Best: Medium-light body, smooth, medium to high carbonation

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

Drinkability
Balance

Drops it

Hop harshness
Sweet sticky finish

Writing tip

Say how malt and hop share the beer. Example: 'Light honeyed malt with a floral hop lift, smooth and clean.'

Pour these

Big Wave Golden AleKona BrewingLight malt and floral hop
Summer LoveVictory BrewingSoft malt with a bright hop lift

Often confused with

18B American Pale AleAmerican Pale Ale is hoppier and more bitter
1C Cream AleCream Ale is paler and less hoppy

Fine here

Estery: A faint fruitiness is fine

Ruinous here

Diacetyl: Butter
Oxidized: Stale
Grassy: Old hops

Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.