Belgian Blond Ale

Before the 1840s, most beers were either dark, hazy or both. Around that time, European and British maltsters developed ways of indirectly heating their kilns and made pale malts possible. When Czech brewers in Plzen created Plzeňský Prazdroj (Pilsener Urquell) - the first clear golden lager - in 1842, they set off a major transformation of European beers. Beer began to be served in glasses rather than wooden, metal or earthenware vessels. Pale golden beers became all the rage in Europe, to the detriment of darker brews.

Back in the day, most monastery beers were dark, malty and not well attenuated or alcoholic. They were primarily a food source for the monks, especially during Lent when the monks were not allowed to eat during the day. Malt sugars are nutritious, alcohol is not. To this day, the beer served with meals at monasteries is low-alcohol and is rarely seen outside the monastery. Stronger beers are served to the monks on religious holidays, or offered to guests and the public.

Blond Ales are among the most popular beers in Belgium. Blonds (no “e” at the end) are clear, golden, moderate-strength ales with a subtle Belgian complexity, a slightly sweet flavor and a dry finish. They are typically between 5.8 and 8.0% alcohol and some, but not all, examples have a pronounced hop bitterness. Blonds are very drinkable beers - good on their own or with a variety of foods. And, compared to Pilsners, they have the added benefits of extra strength and a more interesting flavor profile.

While there are a few Trappist Blonds, most of them are Abbey or secular beers. Abbey beers differ from Trappist beers in that none of the abbeys owns or operates its own brewery. Brewing is contracted with independent brewers - many of which have been acquired by large brewing conglomerates in recent years. Most of the Abbey brewers have a Blond Ale in their lineup.

Abbey Blonds

Leffe Blond was the first modern Blond Ale and is still one of the most popular. It is clear and golden with clove aromas, orange fruitiness on the palate, a dry finish and is 6.6% ABV. Leffe Abbey dates back to 1152. Their current licensing agreement with the brewery that produces the beer is believed to have been the first of its kind.

Other Abbey Blond ales include Affligem, Grimbergen, Ciney, Het Kapittel, Maredsous, St Feuillien, Val-Dieu, Augustijn, Pater Lieven, Petrus, Ramee, St Bernardus, and Witkap. The styles of these beers vary somewhat and range in strength from 6.5 to 8.0% ABV.

 Bruz Beers Blonds

At Bruz Beers, we make several Blond Ales. Our classic Blond is Blondy – a full-strength Blond with 7.5% alcohol. Burnished gold in color, with bready malts, floral hops, and peachy esters, Blondy is a classic Belgian-style Blond. It is medium-bodied with a crisp mouthfeel and a long, dry, complex finish. Another Bruz Blond ale is Solange – a lower-alcohol (5.8%) beer we brew during the warmer months.

 Belgian Blond Ales are among the most popular styles of Belgian beer. Their refreshing drinkability makes then perfect with food - or by themselves on a nice afternoon.

Belgian Blond Ales