Ipswich Summer Ale

By JASON + TODD ALSTRÖM

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Though brewed throughout the world, Blonde Ale is really an American creation. Sometimes called Golden Ale or Extra Pale Ale, the style was spawned from the German Kölsch in that it was originally made to compete with pale lagers, but brewed at higher ale temperatures and without maturing in cool conditions for extended periods of time (aka—lagering).

Blonde Ales are straw- to deep-gold in color. Usually an all-malt brew, they're also well attenuated. Look for a dry malty palate with subdued fruitiness, a light body and typically a noble hop character (though many brewers use citrusy American hops, overall the hop character should be light to medium). And like pale lagers, balance is key. That said, a well-brewed Blonde Ale will be flavorful and complex enough to quench the geek in all of us.

That brings us to this week's tasting of Ipswich Summer Ale, brewed by Mercury Brewing Company in Ipswich, Mass. They're well-known for their classic Original Ale, IPA and kickass Oatmeal Stout. Let's see how their summer seasonal holds up.

The Taste

Thin white lacing with some stickage; the retention is pretty impressive. Pours a mildly hazy golden color—it's only a chill haze (proteins) that eventually goes away when the beer reaches cellar temperature. In the nose lies a light, biscuity malt aroma with nutty yeast undertones, spicy hops and suggestions of Asian pear fruitiness from a mild ester-y alcohol. Lush smoothness with a fluffy medium body. Dry cracker maltiness holds strong for a lighter beer. Hop flavor jumps from orangey to earthy and minty; the bitterness is at a perfect level of balance. Mealy apple and pear fruitiness from the yeast. A little husk and toasted grain in the dry finish, too.

Final Thoughts

Hooray! A real summer ale versus yet another boring American Wheat Ale that needs a friggin' lemon to make it palatable! This Blonde Ale is not only extremely drinkable, but also packed with flavor for its size. Bold enough to pair with whatever carnage comes off the grill. And at only 4.9-percent alcohol by volume and 25 IBU (a gauge of bitterness), this is a great session beer that you can enjoy moderately all day long without getting bored.

FOR MORE INFO: MERCURYBREWING.COM

FOR MORE BEER EDUCATION: BEERADVOCATE.COM

RESPECT BEER.