Blonde

2005 bottle at the Iguana Cafe in Montreal, 6/5/05 with Tiggmtl and Muzzlehatch, served chilled in a pilsener glass. Soft, straw and blonde-golden colored ale, moderate amount of white head recedes slowly to cover, with no lacing. Aroma of two-row barley, light grass and cornbread, a bit of doughiness and perhaps some mineral water. Flavor has light low quality/cereal graininess notes at first, but picks up a touch of light hay and earthy barley notes, albeit light. A light honey-vanilla note is particularly pleasing. Easy to compare to McAuslan Griffon Blonde, but it is no competitor, as the Griffon has far more real malt flavor, more hops flavor and a more crisp yeast and hops finish. Still, this isn’t a bad beer by any means, maybe a touch too dry and bready, but the carbonation, which I know must be forced, is low and not horribly disruptive on the palate. Light grassiness is apparent, somewhat as it warms. Medium-light body, not terribly watery as it breathes and warms either. 5/3/7/3/13

Aug 2006 Draught at Cucina, Montreal. Wow. Like a whole different beer on draught. Wonderful, lightly juicy, yet crisp and aromatic hops overlace a soft pils malt backing. Crisp, light, clean yeast. Soft, easygoing, but ample quantities of carbonation distribute the honey and hop notes evenly. A slight waxiness is about the only off-flavor I find. Some nectarins, apricots and peaches add complexity. One of the better blondes I’ve had recently. Minimal wateriness. No alcohol. Medium aroma strength. Decently retained, white head and lots of it. 7/4/8/4/16

Sampled draught at La Milsa, Montréal Golden colour, small head. Medium sweet with restrained fruitiness and some vanilla. Medium bodied with rounded mouthfeel. A decent thirst quencher.

Nice grassy smell, withmore of crystal malts in the mouth and little bitterness. A mineral chalky post taste.

Gold colour beer with a small head. Not as much character as the rousse but still enjoyable.