St-Feuillien Blonde

St-Feuillien Blonde Ale was evaluated as a BJCP category 25A, Belgian Blond Ale.  The aroma is full of grainy, sweet pils malt notes that blend with the mild clove accented spicy hops, and include a touch of green apple fruitiness. The secondary aromas include lemony, perfume-like floral notes that frame the yeast contributions.  This beer is gold in color and pours with a mild haze and a very dense, creamy, white head that slowly fades but will provide ample lacing on your glass. With its bold, grainy biscuit-like malt flavor it is clearly malt-forward. It has a solid balance of spicy, clove phenolics, bubblegum, and earthy hop flavor that work with the moderate hop bitterness and a slight tartness, to balance through to the very dry finish. At 7.5% ABV, the highest allowed for this style, this blond ale has enough alcohol and a creamy, medium, full body that provides a warm and cozy feeling as you sip. The moderate carbonation level insures that it does not taste cloying or feel flabby on your palette. It is complex and satisfying and built to savor in a goblet style glass.