89 Pike Naughty Nellie Ale, Pike Brewing Co. (WA). 4.7% ABV (3/10)
Golden amber color. Bright aromas of peach butter and orange marmalade on sourdough toast follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium body with nice creamy citrus soufflé, toasty bread crust and roasted nut notes. Finishes with a long, citrus peel and pinecone-accented fade. A smooth, flavorful beer.
89 NE Blonde Ale, Nebraska Brewing Co. (NE). 5% ABV (3/10)
Pre-golden yellow color. Aromas of fresh baked brioche, lemon crème fraîche and faint oil follow through on a very soft, smooth entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with a creamy peach-orange chiffon note. Finishes with a buttered toast, tangy citrusy hop and mossy earth-accented fade. Very true to style a quite food friendly.
88 Cascade Ale, Deschutes Brewery (OR). 4.5% ABV (3/10)
Lightly hazy golden amber color. Aromas of apricot yogurt and toasted sourdough bread follow through on a soft, supple entry to a dry light-to-medium body with toasty bread notes coming to the fore. Finishes with a nice interplay of slightly sour, grilled lemon rind and grassy earth notes.
88 Double D Blonde, Hop Valley Brewing Co. (OR). 5% ABV (3/10)
Rich old gold color. Bright crusty toast, orange marmalade and peach butter aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium body with excellent smoothness and balance. Finishes with a long interplay of toasty baguette, citrus peel and earthy hops. A very nice, hoppier take on the golden ale style that will go great with food.
88 Alamo Golden Ale, Alamo Beer Co. (TX). 5.1% ABV (3/11)
Golden yellow color. Toasted nut bread, star fruit and crusty corn pudding aromas with a silky dry-yet-fruity medium body and a crisp, buttered lemon scone and light earthy, grassy hop finish. Very refreshing and balanced.
87 Sum’r Organic Summer Ale, Uinta Brewing Co. (UT). 4% ABV (9/10)
Golden yellow color. Aromas of roasted corn husk and baked lemon. Crisp and round with a dryish medium body and zippy grassy earth finish.
84 Celts Golden Ale, Moylan’s Brewing Co. (CA). 5% ABV (3/11)
Deep old gold color. Bold aromas of grilled romaine, oily nut butter and fried root vegetable chips with a round, chewy dryish medium body and a savory and vegetal cauliflower purée, kettle corn and mushroom quesadilla finish with lettuce- and okra-like hops. Different and interesting.
83 Monumental Blonde Golden Ale, Bastone Brewery (MI). 5%ABV (2/09)
Brilliant light golden color. Aromas of earthy carrot, turnip and wet-grain husk follow through on a round entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with grilled apple and orange notes. Finishes with an astringent veggie, mossy- and tin-accented fade.
81 Rahr’s Blonde, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. (TX). 4.9% ABV (3/11)
Bright golden yellow color. Aromas of toasted polenta and chicken potpie with a crisp, dryish light body and a smooth, toasted nut bread, turnip, corn-pea soup and arugula-like hop finish.