Gold Belt Golden Ale by Social Fox Brewing is a relatively simple beer, as would be expected from a beer advertised as tasting like beer! This beer is being evaluated as a BJCP Category 18A American Blonde Ale. This is typically an entry-level style for those first approaching the craft beer world. As such, Gold Belt generally meets the characteristics of the style – but there are a few issues that detract, and the overall character does not allow the beer to stand out among other examples of the style.

The aroma is mild, with a light fruity ester character and a touch of sweet malt above a slight sulfury note. There is no hop character noted. The brew is a cloudy light golden color with a fair, white, small-bubbled head with poor retention.   

The flavor mirrors the aroma quite well. The malt flavors are quite subtle, with a hint of a woody/leathery/sulfury character. There is a mild noble hop flavor, but the hop bitterness is very low - lower than the flavor presented by the malt. A sweetness from the malt comes through in the middle and finish. Without enough hop bitterness to balance this off, the finish and aftertaste are somewhat flabby. The carbonation is moderate, and the body is a light/medium. 

Overall, this is a rather unassuming brew with an issue of the balance of hop bitterness to malt sweetness. It still would do the trick for refreshment on a hot summer day! Cheers and enjoy!