Blonde Ales

Kona Big Wave launched in 12 packs

Kona Big Wave, the brewery’s golden ale, is launching nationally in 12-packs.

This is the first time the brewery has released this beer in the 12-pack format, targeted for summer drinkers headed to pools, and outdoor activities.

Kona Big Wave is one Continue Reading →

Posted in New Belgium, Headlines

Meet New Belgium Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, the next ice cream inspired beer

New Belgium Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough hits shelves by month’s end. This is the second ice cream inspired beer, and collaboration with the ubiquitous Ben & Jerry’s.

This time last year, New Belgium released the very first Ben & Jerry’s partnership release – Caramel Brownie Brown Ale. The beer was paired with a Ben & Jerry’s special release ice cream by the same name to pair along with it. The beer was good. So was the ice cream, if you could find it. We never did unfortunately.

Things are different in 2016 with New Belgium Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale. If you didn’t know, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is B&J’s number one selling ice cream flavor. It is also the most readily available flavor. See where we are going with this? Unless you live on your own island, there is a beer and ice cream pairing in your future.

Now, about this beer. Please never expect a beer to taste exactly like the food that inspired it. Most are flavor interpretations. Go in with that expection, and you’ll have so much more fun with beer.  The base for this Cookie Dough is a blonde ale, brewed with cocoa nibs, brown sugar and vanilla beans. The flavor dotes more on the “dough” aspect of the ice cream, rather than the full-on richness of the dessert. Great by itself, and even better if you calorically spluge on the ice cream as well. Go ahead. No judgement here.

A portion of the proceeds from the New Belgium Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale will be donated to Protect Our Winters, a non-profit organization that raises awareness of climate change.

The brewery’s Folly Packs will see the beer first, followed by 6-packs going into November, 2016.

Style: Blonde Ale (w/ Cocoa Nibs, Vanilla Beans, Brown Sugar.)
Availability: 12oz Bottles, Draft. One-Time Release
Debut: Late October, 2016

6% ABV

Posted in Funky Buddha, New Beers

Funky Buddha Lemon Meringue Pie

Funky Buddha Lemon Meringue Pie

Posted in Triple C Brewing Co, New Releases

Triple C Golden Girl, brewed with cherries & coffee

Triple C Golden Girl is the newest can to join the Charlotte based brewery’s lineup.

The base beer is a blonde ale, brewed with tart cherries. Additionally, the beer features locally roasted Guji coffee from Summit Coffee Co. The beer was very popular on draft, prompting its release into 16 ounce cans.

Triple C Golden Girl is a seasonal release.

In late July, the brewery will release their first wild ale.

Style: Blonde Ale (w/ Coffee, Tart Cherries)
Availability: 16oz Cans
Debut (Cans): July, 2016

?? ABV

Image: Scott, Triple C Brewing

Posted in Kona Brewing, New Releases

Kona Big Wave launched in 12 packs

Kona Big Wave, the brewery’s golden ale, is launching nationally in 12-packs.

This is the first time the brewery has released this beer in the 12-pack format, targeted for summer drinkers headed to pools, and outdoor activities.

Kona Big Wave is one of the brewery’s most popular offerings.

“We’re really excited to share the ‘Liquid Aloha’ lifestyle of slowing down and focusing on what matters with even more people as they pick up a 12 pack of Big Wave in cans and head into summer,” – Sandi Shriver, head of Kona Brewing Co.’s brewery operations.

Kona Big Wave Golden Ale is a year-round offering.

Style: Blonde Ale
Hops: Galaxy, Citra, Millennium
Malts: 2 Row, Caramel 20

Availability: Year-Round

4.4% ABV, 21 IBUs

Posted in Magic Hat Brewing, New Releases

Magic Hat Art Hop Ale 2016 features blood orange & sage

Magic Hat Art Hop Ale 2016 is coming this summer. The beer is a collaboration; an intersection of art and brewing.

The brewery teamed up with the non-profit SEABA (South End Arts and Business), which promotes local artists as well as businesses. The Labels for Libations contest motivated Vermont artists to submit works for the can.

The winning label was crated by Zelde Grimm.

Magic Hat Art Hop Ale 2016 is an imperial blonde ale, brewed with blood orange, orange peel, and sage.

A bready malt body creates a solid canvas for blood orange, while sage provides the balancing juxtaposition of spice to the citrus notes from Simcoe, Amarillo and Cascade hops.

Magic Hat Art Hop Ale 2016 is available all summer in 16 ounce cans and draft.

Style: Blonde Ale (w/ Blood Orange, Orange, and Sage.)
Availability: 16oz Cans, Draft. Summer seasonal.
Debut: June, 2016

8% ABV

Posted in Schlafly Brewing, New Releases

Schlafly Double Bean Blonde, with coffee & chocolate

Schlafly Double Bean Blonde is now available from the Saint Louis, Missouri based brewery.

This new specialty release takes a blonde ale and resting it on cocoa nibs from Ghana. In the final stages of brewing, the beer is infused with cold coffee. The result is beer nice a pleasant chocolate favor, and strong coffee nose.

“The golden ale really acts as a canvas on which the coffee and chocolate flavors can perform. We’re excited to have the opportunity to take risks with our beer, especially when we have access to such great partners like Kaldi’s Coffee. – Steven Hale, Schlafly brewer”

Schlafly Double Bean Blonde is available in 12 ounce bottles and draft for a limited time.

Style: Blonde Ale (w/ Coffee, Chocolate.)
Hops: Marynka
Malts: Carapils, Pale

Availability: 12oz Bottles, Draft
Release: Mid-March, 2016

6.3% ABV, 25 IBUs

Image: Spencer Pernikoff

Posted in New Releases, Martin House Brewing Company

Martin House Counter Clockwise Swirl now in can

Martin House Counter Clockwise Swirl is now in cans. A perfect beer for dessert lovers.

Martin House Counter Clockwise Swirl is a blonde ale brewed with oats, as well as cacao nibs and vanilla beans. It’s a bit bigger than your average blonde ale, finishing at 8.4% ABV.

We at Martin House think there is no reason a blonde ale can’t be elevated to an alluring and enchanted treat. In true Martin House style, we’ve taken a silky smooth oatmeal blonde ale and added flavors usually found only in a dark beer. s

Martin House Counter Clockwise Swirl is available on draft and 12 ounce cans, in March only.

Style: Blonde Ale (w/ Cocoa Nibs, Vanilla Beans)
Availability: 12oz Cans, Draft.
Release: March, 2016

8.4% ABV