Golden or Blonde Ale – North American Origin Ale Styles

Golden or Blonde Ale Style

  • Color: Straw to gold
  • Clarity: Chill haze should not be present
  • Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Low malt sweetness and toast, cereal-like or other pale malt attributes should be present in flavor and aroma at low to medium-low levels.
  • Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Hop aroma and flavor should be medium-low to medium, with attributes typical of hops of any origin present but not dominant.
  • Perceived Bitterness: Low to medium
  • Fermentation Characteristics: Fruity esters may be present at low to medium-low levels. Diacetyl and DMS should not be present.
  • Body: Low to medium with a crisp finish

Golden or Blonde Ale Vital Statistics

  • Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.045-1.054 (11.2-13.3 °Plato)
  • Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.008-1.016 (2.1-4.1 °Plato)
  • Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.2%-4.0% (4.1%-5.1%)
  • Bitterness (IBU) 15-25
  • Color SRM (EBC) 3-7(6-14 EBC)

2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.

Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Ale Styles – North American Origin Ale Styles – Golden or Blonde Ale