Dirty Blonde Ale - Atwater Block Brewery

WVbeergeek

Ohio

2.94/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3

Slightly hazed body, eggshell white head forms a cloudy three fingers worth with fine even lacing. Aroma has a nice sharp wheat and citrus combo with very mild spice additions, limited coriander which is usually a good thing for my palate. Flavor wise there's some biscuit bread dough layers with a very chalky yeast in the finish, slight hint of citrus peel and coriander with a relatively lackluster overall flavor. Carbonation is light, not much on the palate as far as textures go but still not a horrible beer, under 4.5% it's light and refreshing and keeps you wanting to experience the next sip. It has a trademark Atwater characteristic it misses the mark on the style and ends in a generic watered down version of a witbier, I appreciate it for what it is but can't really look at this as a beer I want to keep buying.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2013 16:23:54 | More by WVbeergeek

elNopalero

Texas

2.71/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

This is dated from October 2012, enjoyed—well, opened—at the end of 2012.

It pours a hazy golden color with no foam. I get a estery, yeasty aroma—but an old yeasty aroma, not something fresh. For a beer that’s only a few months out I wouldn’t expect that.

The flavor has a refreshing crispness to it. I get more life from the flavor than the aroma—there’s some coriander and orange peel, with a more pronounced yeasty ester profile. However it drops off with a flat finish and an unwelcome malty corn sweetness. Not one I’d have again.

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2013 07:09:34 | More by elNopalero

WoodBrew

Illinois

3.55/5  rDev +16.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Trying the Dirty Blonde...that's how I like my blondes!!! Anyway...the beer pours a cloudy yellow with thin white head that is not lacing. The smell includes orange zest and floralness. The taste carries much the same as the smell but has a nice wheat base to it. The mouthfeel is lighter in body with decent carbonation. Overall it isnt a bad beer.

Serving type: can

11-03-2012 22:55:59 | More by WoodBrew

Schmaltz

2.03/5  rDev -33.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 1.5

I must "down-rate" this beer because it is labeled as a Belgian white, but comes across more like a nut-brown. Very sweet, caramel, roasted malt and nut flavor. I was convinced there was a bottling-line mix-up, but it has the hazy appearance of a wit, although a bit more golden-hued than straw-colored. I struggle to find the orange and coriander amidst the cloying sugariness and roasted grain flavors in this brew. If this were a nut-brown, I'd probably give it good marks.

Serving type: bottle

10-02-2012 01:49:41 | More by Schmaltz

mountdew1

New Hampshire

2.95/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Poured into a weizen glass. Color was a slightly cloudy golden color with a 2 finger bubbly head. Head quickly started to dissapate, but switched to a thicker foam as it went. Fair amount of carbonation rose from the bottom. Didn't cling at all. Aroma was slightly grainy, but also seemed a bit sour. Flavor came across as a very watery fruity flavor. A hint of banana, but all was on the thin side. Felt overly watery in the mouth. Needed a little more chew, but was nicely carbonated. Overall not terrible, just seemed a little off.

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2012 00:33:16 | More by mountdew1

Billolick

New York

3.08/5  rDev +1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

12 ounce can, without freshness/canning date info.

The poor is hazed medium tangerine, fine bubble off white head, leaves some fine lacing on the glass.

Sniff reveals just some faint wheat malts, and a very faint fruitiness.

Slight drying in the finish. Forgettable little brew, would be decent on a very hot summer day with a light lunch. Besides that situation not much chance I would go for this one again

Serving type: can

09-03-2012 22:42:42 | More by Billolick

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

2.9/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

CAN you believe it?!? Once again, I feel CANpelled to open my review with a disclaimer. Yes, the serving type really was a CAN, again courtesy of Friday's visit to Pinocchio's. It would be extremely poor form to attribute a non-CANned beer to The CANQuest (TM) and I have never knowingly done so.

From the CAN: "Beer is good."; "Enjoy Everyday!"

Oooh, so you're a Dirty Blonde, eh, baby? Just remember, it's only kinky the first time. After that, it's de rigeur. Plus, who is to decide what is "dirty" and what is not? Huh, the "Dirty Blonde" distinction refers to your natural hair color? Well, why didn't anybody tell me until now? Just as Emily Litella often said, "Never mind."

The Crack revealed another brimful CAN and the excitement led to an inverted Glug, it turn leading to a fizzy finger of bone-white head that quickly reduced to wisps. Color was a hazy lemon-yellow. Nose smelled more like a Wit (note from the CAN: "Ale Brewed with Orange Peel and Coriander."), thanks to the adjuncts. I definitely caught the orange peel initially, followed by the inherent spiciness of the coriander on the nose. Mouthfeel was medium and the taste was much more like a Wit than an APWA. I would submit a correction, but the BFG program has been disestablished, so apparently the program will somehow pick up this discrepancy at some point. In the meantime, I will CANsider it as an APWA. It had a nice orange citrusiness on the tongue, followed by the peppery spiciness of the coriander. Finish was quite dry, very nice for summer. I'd take a Dirty Blonde to the beach with me.

Serving type: can

08-05-2012 20:48:44 | More by woodychandler

Lauthaha

Michigan

3.5/5  rDev +14.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Poured from a bottle into a beer mug.

Appearance: Little to no head. What is there is pretty sticky. Beer itself is a hazy, unadulterated blonde color.

Smell: Beer claims to be made with orange peel and coriander. I believe it...a little bit of malty goodness, but lots of sweetness.

Taste/Mouthfeel: Very hefe. Gentle carbonation, slight bitterness and a little bit of malt on the palate, and then the aftertaste is all coriander. After a few moments on the tongue, the beer loses elasticity.

Overall: Eh. It's beer, and it's a little different, which is good on a tasting night like tonight. Still, won't be keeping this one in rotation.

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2012 02:15:54 | More by Lauthaha

TMoney2591

Illinois

2.94/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3

Served in a Lagunitas mason jar.

You know she's dirty 'cause o' the tramp stamp. And the fact she's a Tigers fan. Anyway, this stuff pours a clear straw topped by a finger of lightly cream-white foam. The nose comprises soapy orange peel, light wheat, and a touch of white bread. The taste takes this formula and adds a healthy amount of random funk, for lack of a better word, as well as a hint of lemon zest for the sake of it. The body is a rather light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a wet feel. Overall, a meek little beer, one that just plain didn't do it for me.

Serving type: can

07-14-2012 02:17:00 | More by TMoney2591

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

2.9/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 2 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Yup, dirty blonde in color. Lots of haze. Was dealt an overpour, so no chance for head formation. 2.0

Strong coriander and wheat grains. Slight tart Pez candy smell. 3.5

Mildly wheaty and very coriander-forward. Too much yeasty muck flavor. Drier finish with not much bitterness. This beer needs toned down. 3.0

Glazed feel, bolstering a thinner body. Way too light on the carbonation. Much room for improvement. 2.5

Below average ale, due to imbalance. 2.5

Serving type: on-tap

06-18-2012 01:06:18 | More by thecheapies

gatornation

Minnesota

2.78/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

A- pours a mostly clear lemon yellow color with almost no head and a small film and collar no lacing

S- was malts and gran with some bread, a touch of fruit some spice and lemon peel

T- was malt and wheat with some orange peel a touch of hops
grain

M- low carbonation smooth and mostly malts and grain

O- below average wheat not one i will buy again

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2012 22:21:04 | More by gatornation

SickGnar

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: Tawny, flat golden, clear with very few bubbles. Big white head that falls super fast to nothing and leaves no lace.

S: Lemony & sort of herbal. Coriander? Only vaguely and lightly hoppy. Light crackery malts. Quite a clean and light aroma – other than the lemony-herbal note.

T: Really lemony in an herbal way. Coriander. I guess this is a spiced beer. Sort of a wit impression, but not really in a good way. No real hops. Thin light grainy malts that are just a touch crackery.

M: Light to just leaning toward medium-light with carbonation on the soft side. Sort of thin and a bit watery.

D: Light, thin, lemony. Sort of a less than well done lemony summer beer. Not that anything is terribly worng, but nothing is very good either. Perhaps a hot weather throw ‘em back brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2011 03:21:17 | More by SickGnar

pb9613

Michigan

2.85/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Appearance – A golden/orange clear pour with a decent white head. The head retention and lacing are nothing to write home about but they do the job.

Smell – Coriander, oranges, sweet wheat but no hops.

Taste – Has a slight artificial orange taste with a sweet malty base. Could not find the hops.

Mouthfeel – Extremely light and smooth with decent carbonation.

Overall – Decent lawnmower beer but not on the buy list. I would not turn it down if I was offered one at a party.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2011 22:47:35 | More by pb9613

Dope

Massachusetts

3.23/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: A golden/orange clear pour with a decent white head. Decent retention and lacing too.

S: Orange, coriander, and a little wheat - not much else.

T: A sort of artificial orange with a wheaty malt base. Simple and smooth.

M: Light and smooth.

O: Good lawnmower beer, a basic wheat beer with a touch of fruit to help out. The ratings are low but don't be dissuaded, it's just simple.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2011 22:09:53 | More by Dope

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

2.68/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Poured from a bottle into a tumbler pint, the beer is a bright, pale, hazy, yellow-gold with a half inch, bright white, foamy head that settles rapidly into a thin film. Roasted malt nose, with a slight highlight of orange citrus and some spicing, but too faint to pick out specifics. The beer is watery, with a cereal roast initial flavor that stands over all other taste profiles. There is a tangy malt sweet highlight, and a splash of citrus, but all the flavors seem watered down, overall. The aftertaste is a very, very, very slight citrus tart, and the finish is blink of an eye quick. Not even long enough to think too much about the flavors that aren't there.

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2011 01:33:09 | More by GarthDanielson

jb413

Massachusetts

2.63/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

A – Transparent gold/yellow with a foamy, soda-bubble head. To be honest, looks just like a cream soda. Very little lacing on the way down. Also, I can clearly see floating debris at the bottom (orange peel / coriander ?). Not sure if that’s standard practice with the style but this is not an attractive beer for me.

S - Light and citrusy, with orange and some floral notes. Average

T – A big, average citrus note. For me, the citrus is there throughout, yet it's more lemon/sour than orange. Wheat with maybe some hops but tough to tell.

MF – Light-bodied and very thin with perhaps a tad too much carbonation. Finish isn’t terrible though, and leaves a wet palate.

O - While I’m not familiar with the style, I have to imagine there are much better blondes out there. This one is not my cup of tea. Looked rather gross and tasted average. Perhaps a hot summer day would have made a difference, but not much. Would opt to purchase something else.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2011 00:18:01 | More by jb413

sweett3k

Michigan

4/5  rDev +31.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Beer from the D. Pale light yellow with a fizzy head throgh out. Aroma of orange citrus and fanit spice notes. Fresh grain malt summery flavor. It is like a tasty verson of a lager. An easy session beer. A decent drinkable beer to enjoy at a Tigers baseball game.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2011 23:15:49 | More by sweett3k

bushbeer75

Michigan

2.78/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12oz. brown bottle with label notched January 2011

Atwater Block Brewery Dirty Blonde Ale poured a very light hazy pale gold color producing a 1-finger white head that dissipated rather quickly. The nose is of light pale wheat and very light [lemon] citrus. Dirty Blonde’s flavor matches the nose…where is the coriander and orange peel as the label states?? I sure can’t seem to detect these tastes – very disappointing. Mouth feel is light with light carbonation. The ABV and the mouth feel/body make this ale an easy drinker.

After tasting Dirty Blonde I can see why the brew was classified [on B.A.] as an American Pale Wheat Ale as I thought that a beer spiced with coriander and orange should fall into the Witber style. Atwater, if you intended this brew to be a Witber you missed the mark.

Serving type: bottle

09-01-2011 15:12:59 | More by bushbeer75

tone77

Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev +25.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a brown 22 oz. bottle. Has a golden color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of malts, a touch of wheat and oranges. Taste is good, orange, coriander, very refreshing. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall this is a highly enjoyable summer time beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2011 14:29:50 | More by tone77

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

First had: bottle from Pinocchio's beer garden, Media, PA

Poured a slightly cloudy light golden-yellow with a fizzy white head that didn't retain much at all. Grainy, bready aroma, lightly toasted, with hints of citrus zest. Similar taste, biscuity, grainy, a yeasty sensation, mild wheat profile, crisp citrus an a touch of spice. Pretty good blonde ale, but not really my style. Light body, and fairly drinkable for a hot summer day I suppose.

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2011 18:44:34 | More by Rifugium

lsrose

Indiana

2.8/5  rDev -8.2%
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Got a bottle that was marked October 2010, so could have been partially bad from age.

A - Poured a golden color with a lot of carbonation and a tall head. Wayyyy too much carbonation and was some sediment in the bottom of the bottle.

S - Very yeasty and fruity smell of orange and other citrus.

T - Maybe tasted slightly better than I expected, or maybe different than I expected. Very acidic citrus taste.

O - Very acidic, over carbonated, didnt like this much but I could see a niche. It reminds me of Summer Shandy and lovers of that might really like this too.

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2011 01:08:18 | More by lsrose

Hazer115

Michigan

2.58/5  rDev -15.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: This beer does not necessarily hold true to its name, while it is blond, it’s crystal clear. It has a nice head immediately after pouring but doesn’t stick around very long.

S: Smell, well you pretty much have to put your nose in the beer to get any smell from it, but when you do get a smell, it's slightly hoppie.

T: Very little hopes, with a slight hint of fruit/banana.

M: For a 4.5% ale, this one feels a little heavy to me.

Overall, I'd say this is an ok beer to drink on a hot summer day, but for the price I was hoping for something a litter better.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2011 22:28:14 | More by Hazer115

MTNboy

Missouri

2.38/5  rDev -22%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

This beer has a lot of carbonation. The body is a pale gold color. The head and lace are both frothy white. I was pretty disappointed overall with almost everything about this beer. Aroma is fruity and citrusy. I thought the flavor is very sour and remind me of a grapefruit. The body was thin and watery.

Serving type: bottle

06-20-2011 18:18:43 | More by MTNboy

civilizedpsycho

Michigan

2.63/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Poured bottle into pint glass.

Appearance: Pours a pale gold color that is crystal clear despite a stirring of the bottle to agitate any remaining yeast. Does have a nice fluffy head.

Smell: Has a very wheaty backbone with hints of citrus lingering in the background. Not powerful aromas, but they're there.

Taste: Has a very slight citrus flavor, but on the whole, it is very bland. It tastes very watery and very little of the aromas make their presence known in the flavor.

Mouthfeel: Like the flavor, very watery. Very thin and not very impressive.

Drinkability: While this beer is not bad, it is certainly not good. If I want some wheat beers, there are better ones. If I want something light and refreshing, there are better things.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2011 19:17:14 | More by civilizedpsycho

bilyboy65

Colorado

3.13/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Well this was not an exciting beer. The golden deliciousness of it's looks soon gave way to a quickly fading head. No carbonation lead to a flat taste (beer was not flat though). This is a very light bodied beer with no ill affects on the tongue as it passes by. Not a bad taste, but a little boring. Would probably be good on a very hot day when all you want is something cold.

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2011 22:59:28 | More by bilyboy65