Hoptober Golden Ale - New Belgium Brewing

danmouer

Virginia

4.43/5  rDev +16%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The classification "American Blond Ale" is cometely off the mark. Nr is this New Belgium Brew an American-made Belgian Blond. What it is is a very very nice example of an American Pale Ale, and increasingly becoming one of my very favorite everyday brews.

Pours a medium gold color with just a touch of opalescent haze. An enthusiastic head rises and then quckly falls to a pretty, consistent wreath of foam.

As the name implies, the first real impression comes as a cloud od fresh hop aroma. I can't recognize the hops, but they have chsrscteristics of fine English and Amwrican varieties

All those hop aromas in most American ales would set me up for s double barrel blast of bitter upon tasting. Not so. There is, of course, a nice bitter hop spine, but just enough to balance the cookie-like sweetness of the malt. The hops reallyshow their stuff in the flavor and aroma, not in bitterness.

This beer is all about hops, but these are mostly late-addition hops: hops for flavor and aroma, just as they should be.

I'm a BJCP judge, and if I encountered thia beer in competition entred s qn American Blond, I'd tell the brer I really liked it, but hos score would suffer ror missing the style by a mile. If it were entered as an ESB, I'd send it to the Best of Show round!

I really wush this were not a seaonal. Hear me New Belgiam? Please make this a permanent entry in your repertoire.

Serving type: bottle

09-24-2011 23:18:47 | More by danmouer

BurpingtonDC

Maryland

3.68/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Nice golden color with a big creamy head.

S - floral notes, a little hop, bread and sweet malt.

T - Taste is good for the style. Nothing special, just a decent, refreshing golden ale. Not overly complex though.

M -Crisp and refreshing on the tongue. Nice level of carbonation.

O - Overall it's a decent, drinkable golden ale. Good but not great, not memorable.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2011 23:02:06 | More by BurpingtonDC

bum732

Maryland

3.95/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

S: Fresh, grassy hop aroma, some spicy resiny hoppiness. Light bready maltiness. Apricots as it warms.

L: Crystal clear golden yellow, white creamy head that dissipates to a dusting. Good lacing.

T: Sweet malt with a fresh hoppiness. Slightly spicy. There is an interesting sweetness of rye and perhaps oats near the middle. medium, slightly minty bitterness leads to a slight spicy, semi-dry finish. Very clean and refreshing.

M: Medium light mouthfeel, medium carbonation.

An interesting beer, refreshing and clean with some different flavors, but i think it worked overall.

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2011 03:19:43 | More by bum732

MrVonzipper

California

3.48/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Clear yellow-gold color with a nice frothy white head. Decent retention and good initial lacing.

Pale malt on the nose with faint floral notes.

Floral hop flavor notes up front with a light, fairly sweet malt back end.

Light bodied mouthfeel, crisp with high carb.

Overall it's pretty Meh. Pretty boring. Started off ok and got more and more mehhhh as it went on. Won't get this again.

Serving type: bottle

09-20-2011 06:05:58 | More by MrVonzipper

kshankar

District of Columbia

3.73/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear and bright golden with a small bit of foam which recedes quite quickly. Tiny cap, some lacing.

Smell is good...hoppy, mostly.

Taste...here it isn't as one dimensional as the aroma suggests, there is a mild malty undertone to it that goes well with the hops. Nothing overpowering from either the malt or hop profile. Crisp mouthfeel, light bodied. Overall a good beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-20-2011 02:16:11 | More by kshankar

Rhettroactive

Virginia

3.45/5  rDev -9.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

From 22oz bomber to Bruges hybrid glass on 9/18/11
*From notes

-- This bottle was generously shared by my Pops --

A: Rich straw golden. The beer's pretty clean in presentation. A good pour yields a 1.5 finger head and some really nice lacing.

S: A bit sweet. The grains are present, yet there's a hoppy profile that provides decent balance.

T: Pretty low key, there's really nothing here that stands out as being a "wow" factor. It's easy drinking and approachable for sure, as the hops are minimal yet juicy. There's also a minute herbal streak in the brew that's quite refreshing.

M: Decent mouthfeel. The carbonation is surprisingly off and low. It feels like someone took the bottle, shook the living hell out of it and my Dad purchased it a few days later.

O: New Belgium's Hoptober Golden Ale was a nice, if not unspectacular, little beer. It should be called "Hopril", as this would be much better as an April release/Spring seasonal. It's too light and playful for the cooler weather. Maybe NB's trying to pull in the BMC crowd with this?

Regardless, I'd take opportunity to give this a try as it's well-assembled, but it's not even close to the best Autumn seasonals.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2011 20:58:19 | More by Rhettroactive

Arithmeticus

Maryland

4.1/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured chilled in flared ale glass from bomber

A: Yet again, a stellar New Belgium beer; clear golden yellow; very strong carb beads; lacing thin but visible
S: very nice lingering aroma of sweet malt, honeysuckle; very inviting
T: Willamette, Glacier hops give this a sweet and not bitter profile; rich spicing; very hoppy

Overall, an impressive offering.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2011 16:15:46 | More by Arithmeticus

gtermi

Texas

3.53/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

The appearance of this beer is very nice. The golden color this beer has is really nice and looks very enjoyable.The head is nice too because it is small, but covers the whole beer.

The smell has a lot of hoppy smells and has similar characteristics of an IPA.

The taste is amazing. It is super smooth and has tons of hoppy and malty tastes.

This is one of the best beers I have ever had from New Belgium and if you find are contemplating trying this, dont hesistate and do it.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2011 07:23:05 | More by gtermi

claytong

Vermont

3.5/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

appearance - not the nicest looking golden ale but certainly not the worst. great head retention and lacing. color and clarity are bland and typical for the style.

smell - lots of hops here and some sugar.

taste - hops and sugar, a odd spice that i cant place.

mouthfeel - medium to heavy body for the style. medium carbonation for the style.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2011 04:03:40 | More by claytong

tykees88

Indiana

2.93/5  rDev -23.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A- A pretty golden delicious apple color with a nice two finger frothy head that sticks around.

S- Smells hoppy. Smells like sugar. Ehhh.... not liking the combo

T-Like an overhopped AAL. Very bland mild taste with a much more prominent hop finish

M- It is a nice fluffy brew though. Gotta give it that.

O-Not the worst in the world, but I don't like it

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2011 22:34:29 | More by tykees88

KomodoDragon

Virginia

4.3/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A - Poured a cloudy golden with a 1" pure white head with great lacing.

S - Pine & citrus and all that comes with a fully hopped ale

T - Terrific malt and oat flavoring gives way to a dry bitter finish.

M - Light carbonation and smooth

Over-hopped? perhaps. Wonderful malt and crisp bitter finish - YEP.

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2011 03:53:55 | More by KomodoDragon

stckhndlr

Virginia

3.9/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Beautiful golden color. Clear with a crisp white head. This head is untarnished. pure white. great looking beer with perfect carbonation to it.

S- Hops come through at first then the hops take over and I detect a hint of hops at the finish. There may be a touch of added hops that I can't pick up because they are hidden by the hops up front.

T- Well this is a surprise. I get some hops but in all fairness at first I didn't taste the malt. It's subtle. Comes through ever so gently. Actually balances the taste nicely.

M- Creamy medium body feel. Smooth finish.

O- this one took a little getting used to. I would recommend that if you are not used to a hoppy style beer such as this work your way up to it with a few other beers first. But if you want to really wake up your taste buds I would say go straight to this one. It's a keeper.

Serving type: bottle

09-17-2011 14:04:31 | More by stckhndlr

pBRale

Iowa

4.1/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Golden pour, slightly hazy from chill haze. Tall foamy white head that settles quite slowly and leaves thick rings of lace down the bulk of the glass.

Smell: Beautiful citrus hop and floral hop aromas along with some bready malts. Absolutely wonderful and welcoming!

Taste: Mmmm. Very nice hop presence: citrus hops and wheat detectable and the malt balance is fantastic. A very tasty beer.

Mouthfeel: Medium body and a very smooth mouthfeel. Medium carbonation, and still crisp and refreshing. Finish is slightly bitter but not overpowering at all.

Overall: A damn good beer, one of my favorite and regular seasonals; a great cascade taste and very refreshing. A scrumptious beer.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2011 01:46:12 | More by pBRale

canucklehead

British Columbia (Canada)

4/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A fairly orginal take on the blonde ale with a nice selection of hops that actually take a backseat in the finish to the creamy mouthfeel that the grain bill adds to the beer. Totally drinakable and very different than the malty Fat Tire or the hoppy Mighty Arrow APA. Not the malty autumn gold of most fall seasonals and not a OK fest lager either this is a cool addition to the Fall season

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2011 01:32:18 | More by canucklehead

BeerDocT

Georgia

3.88/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Ah, Fall. My favorite seasonal ale time of year.

Poured into a wide-mouthed glass.

-Appearance 3.0: Like so many IPA-type beers, this brew poured out a deep golden color with a very small head. Small head formed and quickly disappeared. Very small carbonation bubbles, but few bubbles visible.

-Smell 3.0: Standard smell for a beer. I do detect a little more hops than I normally smell in the typical micro-brew ale, but that's about it.

-Taste 4.5: The hoppiness of this beer is really interesting. I taste the familiar (and well loved) alkaline flavor when the beer first enters my mouth, but then it becomes a different taste (but still very hoppy) when I swallow. Finally, there is a distinct hop aftertaste once I swallow. Delicious and thirst quenching.

-Mouthfeel 3.0: The label claims that this beer has a "creamy mouth feel," but I didn't think it was that creamy. Just an average mouth feel, but a good, session-beer level of carbonation present.

-Overall 4.0: Very good beer bordering on excellent. The taste is what sets this particular brew apart for me, but I found the other components to be only standard. I could see that 6% ABV creeping up on the casual drinker, so be aware. Could be a great session beer.

Six packs on sale for $7.99 at Targets in Atlanta.

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2011 19:45:16 | More by BeerDocT

jifigz

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Bottle poured into a pint glass.

A: As the name suggests, this beer pours a pretty golden/orange color with a nice lingering head and some pretty nice lacing. The beer is pretty clear but a little hazy.

S: The beer smells slightly floral and hoppy, once again as the name suggests. Since this beer is pretty damn cold that is about all I am picking up.

T: The taste is really more delicate than I expected. The taste is hops throughout the whole of it with grass, hay, and other earthy leafy flavors mixed in throughout. There isn't near as much flavor as I was expecting.

M: The mouthfeel on this one is very silky and creamy. It feels great and very unique on the palate.

O: This is a solid ale. Very easy drinking and very simple to handle. this is not nearly as flavorful as I had expected but a good ale nonetheless.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2011 20:42:22 | More by jifigz

Jishguy

Indiana

3.63/5  rDev -5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A- Poured a crystal clear golden body. Thick one finger head with good retention and lacing.

S- Citrus and earthy hop notes evenly balanced with a malty sweetness. There is a certain grain or bread-like aroma that is very appealing. Very complex aroma.

T-Bread-like malts up front, with a hint of caramel malt sweetness. Mild citrus and pine-like hops dominate the backbone, leaving the tiniest hint of pleasant lingering bitterness. The finish is sweet and smooth.

M-Very full and surprisingly creamy. This is most likely due to the addition of oats to the grain bill.

D- Sits very light. Definitely an all day drinker.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2011 05:08:34 | More by Jishguy

DaveHS

California

3.6/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Pours clear light amber with 1/3 inch of fizzy, brilliant white head. Leaves partial rings of sticky lacing.

S-Earthy, marijuana-esque hoppiness, light grainy malt sweetness. Very simple and appealing.

T/M-Really refreshing and light. The earthy hops from the nose are much more subtle in the flavor profile, which is pretty much in line with your standard American blonde (kolsch) style ale. The mouthfeel is soft and light, with dry, earthy hops on the back end and moderate/low carbonation.

O-This was designed to be a simple, easy drinking light beer and it works on that level. I would prefer a more assertive hop profile, but other than that, no complaints. I could see working through a 6 pack on a hot day, maybe while manning the barbecue.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2011 04:44:13 | More by DaveHS

RoamingGnome

Wisconsin

4/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured out of a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass.

A) Golden in color as implied. There was 1 inch of light fluffy looking head. The head dissolved into a nice little cap. There was very nice lacing.

S) Mild malt character, predominantly hops powered, citrus and pineapple aroma is quite nice.

T) Nice balance of malt and hops is demonstrated with this brew. There is some sweetness upfront, followed by citrus tones and a slightly bitter finish.

M) A medium body, somewhat creamy on the palate, well carbonated, nice finish.

O) Purchased in error by a family member thinking it was an Oktoberfest, but what a pleasant surprise. This is a really good beer. I would certainly recommend this one.

Serving type: bottle

09-13-2011 23:07:49 | More by RoamingGnome

rundocrun

Iowa

3.7/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from 12 oz bottle into a pint glass.

A - Very light amber with honey gold highlights. Has a finger of fine white head that fades somewhat quickly. Thick sheets of foamy lacing stick to the glass.

S - Assertive citrus and grassy hop aroma is immediately noticeable. Mild toasty grains are detectable as well. Very much like a milder version of an APA.

T - A thin sweetness is present up front--sort of like watered down honey and it is quickly followed by spicy hop flavor in the middle. It compliments the dry breadiness from the rye they use in this beer quite nicely. Smooth and creamy through the finish with some fruity wheat character and a medium-strength bitterness from the hops.

M - Surprising medium-to-full body (no doubt bolstered by the flaked oats they use in this recipe). Carbonation is a little strong but not overpowering. Very drinkable beer and great for the cool autumn weather. I actually had my first taste of this at a bonfire--coincidental considering the label design.

Serving type: bottle

09-13-2011 02:31:29 | More by rundocrun

czfreeman

Michigan

4.22/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hoptober pours a golden tone of amber. Almost light orange-butternut squash. Great October tone Beautiful thick head, medium high carbonation.
Smells of Cascade, pepper, Centenial, lemon, orange,malt, hint of toasted grain/ fruit that create a beautiful nose of an fall brew. The peppery spice at the finish really sets of the whole nose.
Flavor is a noticeable step above most standard NB offerings. Spiced grains, floral hops, maple, toasted bread, tangerines, squash, peppep,coriander seed, bit of clove honey and orange round out the finish, spiked with a hop profile that is assertive and extremely well balanced.
Mouthfeel is medium. Malt is kept in check by the spice/hops. Carbonation could be a touch higher but is very good the way that it is.
Excellent beer, excellent fall beer. Great overall.

Serving type: bottle

09-12-2011 18:23:32 | More by czfreeman

pweis909

Wisconsin

4.25/5  rDev +11.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This is a perfectly transparent golden ale with billowing pillows of foam and multiple tracings of lacings left behind as the foam recedes. There is some graininess and grassiness to its aroma, which leans towards the citrusy hops of Sierra Nevada. There is a bit of carbonation bite to its taste, but beyond that, there is soft subtle malt sweetness. Perhaps the word soft comes to mind because the texture of this beer, especially the initial foamy layers, reminds me of nothing less than soft lips of a sensual kiss. In this sense, this may be the sexiest beer I know. The beer is worth experiencing for that reason alone. A blonde? Maybe more like a pale ale, but I'm sure some will think of blondes when they spend time sipping this delightful ale.

Serving type: bottle

09-12-2011 18:13:13 | More by pweis909

mralphabet

Virginia

4.13/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz bomber poured into pint glass.

A: Nice Golden color, great looking 2 fingers worth of nice fluffy white head. Head settles to a nice layer and ring. Wonderful lacing... Little to no bubbles.

S: First thing I smell is very floral hops with a touch of caramel like malt, with a little saltine cracker smell mixed in.. Smells pretty balanced.... But I love the smell of the hops here.. little more hops than most ABA I've had.

T: The hops are right up front, much like the smell.. nice floral hops with a hint of citrus, the mid palette has a nice balance of malt.. Touches of caramel, toffee and a little biscuit.. Finish is clean with very little hop bitterness. A well rounded and balance brew.

M: Med bodied, carbonation is mild, leaves a little oily coating on my tongue... Strangely feeling a little heat from the ABV. Very nice feel over all.

O: Very nice beer from New Belgium Brewing... Good mix of hops and malt... good balance, good flavors and feel.. Cannot ask for much more... I was really impressed with this one, but I should not be surprised.. They make some great beers. The ABV was pretty good so 1 or 2 Bombers could be thrown down. Worth looking for...

Hey New Belgium Brewing welcome to VA.... What took you so long..

Serving type: bottle

09-12-2011 04:12:39 | More by mralphabet

Zraly

Virginia

3.55/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours golden with a two-finger head into a Dogfish Head signature glass. Nice citrus and earth notes.

Medium-bodied and quite smooth, this is a citrusy and earthy ale and warms up a bit in the middle. The addition of oats adds a nice silky touch to the mouthfeel. Bready but balanced.

A really nice early fall drink to help wash down a good spicy spaghetti dinner. I could see this also working well with grilled seafood.

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2011 22:09:44 | More by Zraly

avaldivia

California

3.9/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured 12oz bottle into a Pint glass.

A: Clear golden color. Decent head and lacing.

S: Light and lemony. Nice citrus and floral aroma.

T: Same as smell. Really nice citrus flavor. For a "blonde ale" this is surprisingly hoppy. I like it.

M: Light and crisp. Very refreshing. Good carbonation. Would be easy to drink on a hot day.

O: Excellent blonde ale. I will try to pick up a few six packs

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2011 06:36:29 | More by avaldivia