Die Alpha Blond Kommt

One of two highlights of the weekend was the chance I got to sample neighbor Dan’s latest home brew, which he called the “Alpha Blond.” Technically, he added, it should be the “Beaver Run Brewery Twist on the Alpha Blond.” Now if you decide to do your own research on this style of beer, be aware that there is a popular artist in Africa who has self-applied a similar moniker.


Over the holidays, Sally and Dan had made a trip to Morgantown Brewery (that’s in West Virginia) and found a kit for a blonde style ale – more on that in a moment. He decided to brew it using the ingredients in the kit, which specify an outcome of around 6.5%, which is probably where his version comes down. The twist was the addition of 3 ounces of his Cascade hops, which made for a nice finish on top of the normally sweet flavor you get with this recipe.

Dan’s had great success with the pale ales, and that is where he drew inspiration from for the additional hops. It was quite tasty. I’ll confess to having two.

I have some information below about blond ales from Wikipedia. Apparently they are meant to be milder and were originally brewed to win over drinkers from the lager styles that were more typically found in the mid-Atlantic region. Interestingly, they are considered entry-level craft ales.

• Aroma: Light to moderate sweet malty aroma. Low to moderate fruitiness is optional, but acceptable. May have a low to medium hop aroma, and can reflect almost any hop variety. No diacetyl.
• Appearance: Light yellow to deep gold in color. Clear to brilliant. Low to medium white head with fair to good retention.
• Flavor: Light to moderate sweet malty aroma. Low to moderate fruitiness is optional, but acceptable. May have a low to medium hop aroma, and can reflect almost any hop variety. No diacetyl.
• Mouthfeel: Medium-light to medium-full body. Medium to high carbonation. Smooth without harsh bitterness or astringency.
• Overall Impression: Light to moderate sweet malty aroma. Low to moderate fruitiness is optional, but acceptable. May have a low to medium hop aroma, and can reflect almost any hop variety. No diacetyl.
• History: Currently produced by many (American) microbreweries and brewpubs. Regional variations exist (many West Coast brewpub examples are more assertive, like pale ales) but in most areas this beer is designed as the entry-level craft beer.
• Comments: In addition to the more common American Blond Ale, this category can also include modern English Summer Ales, American Kölsch-style beers, and less assertive American and English pale ales.
• Ingredients: Generally all malt, but can include up to 25% wheat malt and some sugar adjuncts. Any hop variety can be used. Clean American, lightly fruity English, or Kölsch yeast. May also be made with lager yeast, or cold-conditioned. Some versions may have honey, spices and/or fruit added, although if any of these ingredients are stronger than a background flavor they should be entered in specialty, spiced or fruit beer categories instead. Extract versions should only use the lightest malt extracts and avoid kettle caramelization.
• Commercial Examples: Redhook Blonde, Catamount Gold, Widmer Blonde Ale, Coast Range California Blonde Ale, Fuller's Summer Ale, Hollywood Blonde, Pete's Wicked Summer Brew, Deschutes Cascade Golden