Hoptober Golden Ale - New Belgium Brewing

TheRealBigC

Nevada

3.68/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This beer was sort of misleading. I was expecting something strong and outlandishly hoppy. While the hops definitely hit my nose, the taste is actually pretty tame. It is, after all, a blonde ale. The hops hit you up front, but it goes down smooth with a little aftertaste from the hops. It's actually a pretty refreshing autumn beer, a good way to transition from the crisp summer ones into the typically darker, warmer beers of the fall.

Serving type: on-tap

07-31-2012 18:21:04 | More by TheRealBigC

FosterJM

California

3.88/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

948th Review on BA
Draft to pint
16oz

@Lucilles, Chino Hills, CA

App- A very golden color with some streaking yellow and only a 1/2 finger of head that fell to a great wall of sheen and cling.

Smell- A good crisp aromatic little beer with a bunch of little notes to comprise a very subtle one. A little citrus and a little wheat and a little bit of floral.

Taste- A crisp little beer with a little bit of each aromatic note flowing into the taste. A little bit of wheat, malt and citrus with out a very minute touch of bitter from some hop oils. One of the better blondes I have had.

Mouth- Light bodied and a medium/high carbonation level. A good bit of bubbles with a touch of hop oil and floral malt residual flavors.

Drink- A light and refreshing little beer with some solid flavors and creates a good pairing with a tri-tip & pasilla pepper sandwhich, really cut the heat and refreshed at the same time. Alone, I probably wouldn't have this beer but with that meal yes.

Serving type: on-tap

11-16-2011 05:04:43 | More by FosterJM

quaybr

Colorado

3.93/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Sits in the pint glass light and golden. A bubbly head.

Smells of clean floral hops.

Tastes hoppy for a golden ale, but it works for me. Light sweet malts come through before the bitters wash down. Some modest spices present themselves that go unnoticed in the nose. Pretty tasty.

Feels particularly light given the hop profile. Its seems balanced, however. Maybe a bit overcarbonated. Had this from the bottle a few weeks back and don't recall having the same feeling.

Overall this is a very drinkable beer. I kind of wish this was New Belgium's summer seasonal instead of the fall.

Serving type: on-tap

11-11-2011 06:11:33 | More by quaybr

nimrod979

Maryland

4.05/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Hempen Hill. The beer pours a slightly hazy pale golden color with a nice bubbly white head on top. Pretty nice lacing on the glass.
I like the aroma here. Floral and citrusy hops backed up with some mild earthy malt undertones. Very enticing.
Taste is a smooth hoppy and malt balance. Citrusy test, floral hoppy bitterness with dry biscuity malt. And a softness and creaminess that make drinking this beer a pleasure. Medium carbonation. Has a smooth bitter finish that upholds all the flavors about this beer. A bit different then most "Autumn seasonals" but a welcome change that it is.

Serving type: on-tap

11-11-2011 00:10:28 | More by nimrod979

blakelive784

Colorado

3.6/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served on tap into a generic pint glass-

A - presents a nice, golden color with a white head of one finger and poor retention. Lacing is rather good, though.

S - honey sweet nose backed by mild, generic American hops. Mild in strength.

T - sweet honey and barley on the open, followed by a hit of cascade and centennial hops. Simple, but Balanced well and built very nicely. I'm actually very impressed.

M - smooth and wet. Highly carbonated. Actually suits the beers flavors nicely.

D - very nice. Simple, balanced well and very drinkable. I'm very surprised by this one and I'd have it again.

Serving type: on-tap

10-27-2011 23:26:20 | More by blakelive784

tronester

Oklahoma

3.85/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a golden with a big off-white head. Smells of tropical fruit and some light grain. Taste is initially some malt sweetness, followed by a big hop middle and finish. Citrus flavors, though primarily pine flavors dominate. Mouthfeel is a touch light. Overall very good. Tastes more like a pale ale than a golden ale to me with it's pronounced hop flavor.

Serving type: on-tap

10-26-2011 00:51:06 | More by tronester

EricCioe

Montana

3.58/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This pours pale gold with a tight, frothy two finger eggshell head. On the nose there is a wet brain note lurking beneath citrus fruit. The wet malt note is the only detrimental aspect of this beer to me. In the mouth the citrus comes out as something like mellow orange zest, complimented by crystal malt. It's quite balanced. Body is medium light, perfectly drinkable, with a long but light finish of citrus.

Overall, this is a perfectly drinkable beer, great out of a pitcher at trivia Tuesday.

Serving type: on-tap

10-19-2011 01:46:44 | More by EricCioe

ehammond1

California

3.68/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On Tap

Churchill's Pub & Grille
San Marcos, CA

Dark golden and amber--almost a light copper. Thin off-white head. Spots of lacing left down the glass.

A pleasant though simple aroma consisting of grassy, floral, and earthy hops and simple, grainy, bready malts.

Light bitterness throughout along with an earthy and floral hop character, though this beer remains quite bready and biscuity.

Medium mouthfeel with ample carbonation. Great drinkability.

An unexciting, though well crafted American blonde. The name is somewhat misleading however, as this is not a very hoppy beer.

Serving type: on-tap

10-13-2011 22:26:49 | More by ehammond1

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.33/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

turns out hoptober isnt very octobery at all. the tap had autumnal colors and fall leaves all over it, i thought this beer would do much more justice to the season. poured a watery yellow into a pint glass, nice lacey head. aromas of hops are robust and somehow also seemingly delicate. mouthfeel is light, this beer doesnt have much of a body to speak of. taste is good, not as unique as other new belgium beers, but its a nice pint. i enjoyed it with a burrito, but i find it not too fall. might be better as a spring seasonal, light and growing kind of, like spring itself. it worked out well enough though, given that october 1st here in denver was sunnny and 80 degrees.

Serving type: on-tap

10-02-2011 19:17:32 | More by StonedTrippin

kylehay2004

Florida

3.85/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Enjoyed on tap at the brewery.

A: single finger head, clear amber color with little lace

S: pale malt and some earthy hop notes.

T: excellent flavor and nice hops with a semi bitter finish. Grain notes.

M: medium body and moderate to high carbonation.

Overall: A drinkable beer that is relatively simple.

Serving type: on-tap

09-27-2011 01:42:28 | More by kylehay2004

DoktorZee

Alberta (Canada)

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

Enjoyed at the New Belgium pub at the Denver airport. This one is hot off the presses!!

A - golden, clear with lots of rising bubbles. Fluffy white head that hangs around and coats the glass with some chunky lacing.

S - nice, clean grassy hops nose; slight floral hints

T - nice subtle hops bitterness with a slightly resinous quality. Exceptionally smooth with just enough malt. Initial attack is a bit like a Pale but finishes like a subtle IPA.

M - this has an exceptionally creamy mouthfeel; medium bodied with just a hint of carbonation

D - easy and delicious fall drinking

I think this is my new favorite from New Belgium. It's a bit subtle but hits some great notes with the moderate hops and creaminess. Highly recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

09-20-2011 23:29:05 | More by DoktorZee

elNopalero

Texas

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

On draught poured into a shaker pint glass. There’s about a finger’s worth of head that takes its time to die down. Nice mellow aroma with some piney notes. Pours golden and clear. Is this a fall quaffer or a seasonal sipper? Light body, pleasing balance but dialed down to light music levels. There’s a maltiness to this that’s neither chewy nor overpowering. An enjoyable beer for falling leaves and cooler weather.

Serving type: on-tap

09-14-2011 18:01:38 | More by elNopalero

AlCaponeJunior

Texas

3.53/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appearance was nothing special, very light colored and clear, with little head or lacing.

Smell and taste were pretty good, with a floral hops presence and some bready maltiness. There's a bit of a grainy/grassy aspect as well.

Feel wise it was very light and super easy to drink, although it seems a bit more of a summer beer to me.

Overall it's not bad stuff at all, but may not make the headlines. It's plenty drinkable though.

Serving type: on-tap

09-04-2011 19:45:53 | More by AlCaponeJunior

DCon

Missouri

3.88/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Enjoyed on-tap @ the Wolf Public House in Ballwin, MO for $2.25 (Employee Beer Price). Tapped from the Brown Tap Handle that has Hoptober- Fall Seasonal on the Handle with Leafs on it into a .47l New Holland Tulip Glass and has a Keg Date of (2011).

Aroma- Medium hops and not like the name... Why is this called Hoptober when its a Blonde Ale. Good fruitness and sweet malts. Perfect!

Appearance- Received with a 1.5 Finger head that dies quickly. Has a deep golden body that has good clarity and huge lacing.

Flavor- Good overall malt sweetness that is bready and biscuity. Low esters are present and has a low bitterness.

Mouthfeel- Light-Medium Bodied, High Carbonation, Smooth, and has an easy Blonde finish.

Overall Impression- Like my blondes, I like them easy and approachable. And this one is and you will think so to! Grab one of these seasonals while you can! Definintely recommend on tap, and will be reviewing a bottle shortly.

Serving type: on-tap

09-02-2011 04:11:48 | More by DCon

TheGordianKnot

Tennessee

2.95/5  rDev -22.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served in a shaker pint...

A- Very light in color and extremely clear. Nice inch head, creamy. Looks like a pilsener. I had no idea this was a bland when I ordered... Seems a bit weird for a fall seasonal.

S- Overall incredibly light aroma. Slight sweet gingerbread smell- thats about it with some subtle delicate floral hops hidden in there.

T/M- Bready but light, very very light. Hoppy for a fall beer. More earthy and spicy contribution from the hops. Well carbonated and extremely light bodied.

O- I tend to like my fall beers with more malt and warm flavors and more body. I think my score is eschewed a little lower because this is not your typical fall beer, nor should I think it be. Hard for me to rate to style when i'm thinking it should be a different style than it is. Was really in the mood for something fitting, but this is much more crisp and summer-y.

Serving type: on-tap

08-26-2011 13:58:08 | More by TheGordianKnot

jefe2

Texas

3.45/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

On tap at trudy's 8/21/2011
6%
a slightly hazy yellow w orange tinge, white med size head
S faint smell, little bit of eatery fruit, faint citrus hops
T- citrus hops, mild diluted eatery fruit juice, tiny bit of
tangy malts.
M light, good crisp carbonation
D very easy to drink, eatery refreshing sweetness, light citrus hops with a bit of bitterness in finish, thirst quenching

Serving type: on-tap

08-25-2011 22:17:07 | More by jefe2

centbeerfest

Missouri

4.15/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a pilsner glass from a newly tapped keg.

Nice frothy white head that held out for a good time. Not a lot of carbonation. Crystal clear appropriately gold color.

Gives a bit of citrus to begin with a nice depth of character. Excellent blend of hops and a very good refreshing balance.

A hint of butterscotch at the very finish. A very good beer that was a nice surprise from an excellent brewery.

Serving type: on-tap

08-18-2011 22:53:28 | More by centbeerfest

MrDonQuixote

Colorado

3.83/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served at the Tap Room of New Belgium

A- Golden color, almost no head

S- Hoppy smell, but not super intense

T- Nice and light with a nice hoppy finish, citric intensity

M- nice carbonation. slightly strong aftertaste

O- Great smooth nice summery beer although its a fall seasonal.

Serving type: on-tap

08-14-2011 04:46:51 | More by MrDonQuixote

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

4.38/5  rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured a light yellow with a one inch head. It had absolutely amazing lacing, some of the best I've seen. Smelled of hops like the name suggests. Very piney with the malt smell nearly absent.

The taste, for an American Blonde Ale was out of this world. The piney hops came through perfectly, with a malty backbone. The only knock is the malts kind of a had a sour taste that I can attribute to adjunct grains. If it wasnt for this flavor, the taste would be perfect. The aftertaste's only problem is that off flavor tends to linger, but the piney hops stick around just as long as you want them too.

I would drink this beer any day, even if it were an APA. Solid brew all-around.

Serving type: on-tap

08-14-2011 03:02:42 | More by VncentLIFE

djeucalyptus

Oregon

3.9/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

pours a rich golden straw hue with a decent creamy head that has decent retention, depositing waves of lace. impressive.

aroma is pleasantly crisp with sweet honey notes with some subtle piney notes, a bit of grapefruit, hints of raisin and some floral spice.

taste follows suit nicely, with a delicious and surprisingly rich vibrant flavor profile. plenty of citrusy hops with some pine and juniper, backed by a pleasant malt sweetness and a bit of floral rye spice. it works nicely.

mouth is moderate for the style, with a good peppery kick in the finish, subtle lingering bitterness that's pleasantly drying.

all in all, impressive. On tap, this is a completely different beast than I remember from the bottle... delicious!

Serving type: on-tap

08-10-2011 01:51:02 | More by djeucalyptus

ccrida

Oregon

4.13/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On draught at Monty's, Hoptober is gold with a white head that leaves nice lace.

Smell is nice, very interesting, floral notes, some sweetness, wildflower honey, clean cereals.

Taste is similar, a nice bit of hop snap, more of the nobles then the west coast style hops that are often more assertive. Similar to the nose with the potpourri and honey, cereal, very clean and enjoyable.

Mouthfeel is a bit slick, with some dryness, and a medium light body.

Drinkability is good, a tasty beer that is subtly complex, sessionable but satisfying.

Serving type: on-tap

11-17-2010 00:24:55 | More by ccrida

Overlord

California

3.78/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Surprisingly hoppy for a blonde!

Pours a very light hazy white/gold/yellow. Big white tightly bubbled head.

Smells like ground up dirt/grass/flowers, with a bit of pine. Interesting. No sweetness in aroma.

No sweetness in flavor, either. Just a pleasant, one-note, lightly bittered pine, almost herbal/earthy in quality, with a bit of a very gentle acrid aftertaste. Maybe some lemon rinds or bitter citrus, as well.

Well carbonated. Pleasant.

Serving type: on-tap

10-14-2010 04:00:14 | More by Overlord

cdkrenz

Wisconsin

3.73/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

A - pale orange to a more yeloow colored body. Nice head standing relatively firm with some decent lacing.

S - Moderate citrus to slight grapefruit hops.

T - Citrus, grapefruit and hops over a nearly nonexistent malt.

M - Very coare body making in almost too abrassive.

~ For a blonde ale this has some nice character. This is a greeat session brew if you don't let the heavy carbonation get to ya. I could session this brew once a week. Give it a try.

Serving type: on-tap

10-12-2010 04:49:06 | More by cdkrenz

tbern007

Colorado

3.8/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured at BJs microbrewery in Las Vegas.
Dark golden in color, just the right amount of head at first, but did not remain so after just a short time.
Tasted very pine-like. A kind of hops taste that is unfamiliar, but very good. Slight malt taste, primarily hops flavored with some citrus.
Quite drinkable. Paired great with chicken wings!

Serving type: on-tap

10-07-2010 21:19:19 | More by tbern007

zhanson88

Montana

3.58/5  rDev -6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Pale copper color, a finger of white head, slight lacing. Nothing to write home on, honestly.

Smell: Citrus (orange, limes and pinapple) with some piney hops.

Taste: Very crisp and refreshing, a bit biscuity and pretty citrusy with a decent amount of piney hops at the end. I was very pleasantly surprised by the taste of this beer.

Mouthfeel/Drinkability: Light bodied, crisp and refreshing, and not overly carbonated which is a nice plus. Nice drinkable beer that actually has some flavor.

Serving type: on-tap

10-07-2010 01:50:50 | More by zhanson88