BJCP 25A · Strong Belgian Ale
Belgian Blond Ale
A golden, moderately strong Belgian ale with soft grainy malt, restrained fruit and a spicy touch. Slightly sweet but with a dry finish.
Belgian Blond Ale by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 6.0 – 7.5%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 15 – 30 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 4 – 6 SRM8–12 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.062 – 1.075on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.008 – 1.018on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Belgian Blond Ale is like
A golden Belgian ale of medium-high strength that comes across as smooth and easy to drink. The Pilsner malt gives a grainy, honeyed sweetness, the yeast adds fruit and a little spice, and the finish is fairly dry. It's maltier and less spicy than a Belgian Tripel or a Belgian Golden Strong Ale.
Appearance
Light gold to deep gold, clear. Dense, creamy, very persistent white head.
Aroma
Grainy malt with notes of sweet bread or honey, fruity esters (orange, lemon) and a low touch of spicy phenol. The hops, if present, are spicy and restrained. A light perfumy alcohol is acceptable.
Flavor
Initial malt sweetness with honey notes, soft fruit and light spice. Low to medium bitterness and a dry to slightly sweet finish. The alcohol should be well integrated.
Mouthfeel
Medium body, high carbonation. Soft alcohol warmth.
Where Belgian Blond Ale comes from
It developed in Belgium in the second half of the 20th century, mainly through abbey beers looking for an accessible blond alternative to their dubbels and tripels. Today it's one of the best-selling Belgian ales.
Ingredients
Belgian Pilsner malt, sometimes with a little aromatic or Munich malt, and sugar to lighten the body. Spicy European hops like Saaz or Styrian Goldings. A Belgian abbey yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Belgian Blond Ale at home
Use white or beet sugar in the boil to dry it out, and ferment with abbey yeast starting at 18–20 °C (64–68 °F), letting it rise a few degrees toward the end. Oxygenate well and pitch enough yeast to avoid fusel alcohols. The classic mistake is leaving it too sweet or with too much phenol. Carbonate high.
Food pairing
Mild chicken curry, abbey cheeses or mussels.
Glassware: tulip glass, it concentrates the aroma and holds the head.
Classic examples
- Leffe Blonde
- Affligem Blond
- La Trappe Blond
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Belgian Blond Ale?
Between 6.0% and 7.5% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.
How bitter is Belgian Blond Ale?
It has 15 to 30 IBUs, a low bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Belgian Blond Ale?
Yellow to gold: 4 to 6 SRM (8 to 12 EBC).
What food pairs well with Belgian Blond Ale?
Mild chicken curry, abbey cheeses or mussels.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Belgian Tripel, Belgian Golden Strong Ale and Belgian Single.
If you like Belgian Blond Ale, try these
Classification and statistics: official Belgian Blond Ale guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.