Blonds Have More Fun!

Before the 1840s, most beers were dark and somewhat murky. 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.

Enter Blond Ale

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

Bruz Blond.Com

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, a medium-body and a long, dry, complex finish. Another Bruz Blond ale is Solange – a lower-alcohol (5.8%) beer we brew during the warmer months and often flavor with fruits and spices. Our current Blond is Blond.Com – a 6.2% classic Belgian Blond with a perfumy aroma and hints of banana, pear and early season peaches. It is a perfect match with most foods and, of course, on its own. Santè!