Perennial Artisan Ales Southside Blonde

Aroma: “Largely neutral. Sweet corn-like malt mingles with slight floral and sweet soapy hops aromas. All are very subtle and restrained.” Flavor: “Simultaneously sweet and bitter all the way through, notes of flowers and candied apples, herbal hops, and a mineral characteristic. Clean fermentation highlights dry malt and crisp hops bitterness. Finishes very dry.” Overall: “Light and neutral. With so much going on, it comes across as muddled rather than complex. Yet, the crisp hops bitterness has no trace of harsh edges.”

Aroma: “Strong clove phenols up front with moderate bubblegum esters. Behind the yeast character, there’s an herbal and grassy hops character and light bready malt.” Flavor: “Still clove-forward on the front, but the hops come through more on the palate with lemon, grassy, and grapefruit character. Low sweetness and low bitterness. This is almost like a spiced holiday wine. Moderate carbonation accentuates a crisp finish. A bit fuller in body than a ‘traditional’ blonde.” Overall: “An interesting combination of hops-forward flavors and Belgian fermentation characteristics. Definitely a unique beer that is well-executed for what it was intended to be. The fruity esters from the fermentation nicely complement the hops flavors.”

Lovely floral, herbal hop aroma; soft cracker, bready, light corn note. Good floral hop flavor with mild, balanced bitterness. Subdued malt. Light body, good carb. Leaves lingering bitterness in the dry finish to keep the drinker wanting more. Good drinkability and lovely aroma.