- USA
- Ale
- ABV = 3.8 – 5.5% (Lower to normal)^
- IBU = 15-28
- SRM = 3-6
A gold-coloured American ale with subtle and well-balanced fruit, hop, and malt character.
Typically has more flavour than American Lager. Less bitterness than American Pale Ale.
Appearance:
- Colour^ = Straw to gold
- Clarity = Clear
Key Aromas & Flavours:
Aroma
- Malt = Low to moderate; neutral or grainy, with light bread or caramel notes possible
- Hops = Low to moderate; citrusy, floral, fruity or spicy
- Yeast = None to moderate; fruity, if present, otherwise clean
Flavour
- Malt = Low; neutral or grainy, with bread, toast, biscuit, wheat, caramel or honey notes possible
- Hops = Low to moderate; citrusy, floral, fruity, or spicy
- Yeast = None to moderate; fruity, if present, otherwise clean
- Perceived Bitterness^ = Moderate
- Balance = Normally towards the malt, or even between malt and hops
Aftertaste/Finish
Finishes medium-dry to slightly malty-sweet; any impression of sweetness is often due to a lower bitterness level than actual residual sweetness
Mouthfeel:
- Body = Medium; smooth
- Carbonation = Medium to high
Characteristic Ingredients/Processes:
- Malt = Two-row malt; may include some wheat malt
- Hops = Any hop varietals
- Yeast = Clean American, lightly fruity English, or Kölsch ale yeast; may also be made with lager yeast, or cold-conditioned
Historical Development:
American craft beer style introduced as a faster-produced alternative to standard American lagers. First believed to be produced in 1987 at Catamount. Often positioned as an entry-level craft beer.
Commercial Examples:
Kona Big Wave Golden Ale, Victory Summer Love, Firestone Walker 805
^Sourced from the Cicerone Certification Program’s International Certified Beer Server Syllabus (Version 5.0)
All other information is sourced from the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines
Discovering Beer is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Cicerone® Certification Program.
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