True Blonde Ale - Ska Brewing Co.

mactrail

California

3.58/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Pale golden poured in the pint shaker. Pleasant carbonation in the mouth and a decent foam in the glass. Modest floral and malty aroma. A touch of resiny flavors in the back of the mouth but not much in the way of hops. Some bread and yeasty flavors, though very light. The body is also light but not watery. Quite clean and faintly bitter at the end.

I didn't think this was so damn bad. It's just another very light beer but it has a little more style and substance than the average for this category. An enjoyable brewski for the twilight on the patio. From the 12 oz can at the Radisson on the Yavapai reservation.

Serving type: can

04-19-2013 02:35:15 | More by mactrail

InlandTaipan

California

3.73/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

A: Straw colored gold with a nice frothy white head

S: Smells like sweet bread

T: Sweet and not too dry. nice malt character, subtle bitterness. Not much hop character.

M: very full feeling with great carbonation.

O: this is a great blonde, not sure why it is getting reviewed poorly.

Serving type: can

03-02-2013 20:08:33 | More by InlandTaipan

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

3.5/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

The body is a bright gold with no head floating on top. My big knock on how it looks is the carbonation is really low for the style. barely any bubbles at all.

The smell is exactly what you think it would be. Light malt (nothing really offensive, but nothing to make you hate it). Hint of corn and a touch of grains round out the smell.

it tastes more grainy than it smells, with a hint of corn and other grains coming in. It feels light and sweet, with a dash of earthy hops flashing in and out really quickly.

I actually like the beer, but its not exceptional. Its really balanced and really light, and highly drinkable.

Serving type: can

02-24-2013 18:15:19 | More by VncentLIFE

kojevergas

California

2.63/5  rDev -21.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Can into New Belgium stem-goblet in me gaff in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California. Reviewed live. Expectations are average.

Served straight from the fridge. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.

A: Pours a one finger thin beige colour head of no real cream and below average retention. Body colour is a pale clear yellow. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show. Meh.

Sm: Clean pale malts, barley, light floral hops, and straw. An average strength aroma. Meh.

T: Clean pale malts. Crisp clean barley. Middling floral hops. Imbalanced, with an empty bland third act and unsatisfying climax. Very boring.

Mf: Smooth, thin, and wet. Okay carbonation. Underwhelming. A bit crisp.

Dr: Bland and boring. A drinkable but underwhelming blonde from Ska. Why brew this? I wouldn't bother with it again. A dull beer.

C-

Serving type: can

01-08-2013 06:28:21 | More by kojevergas

Dusty6467

Texas

2.63/5  rDev -21.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

A: clean, clear, light, blonde, 2 finger head that dissipates very quickly.

S: faint smell of citrus hops and bread, not much here

T: metallic- almost like a cheap champagne, faint citrus taste;I expected more

M: clean, light and crisp

O: decent blonde ale, but subpar. Very sessionable with high ABV, but not my personal choice for a blonde ale- drinks more like an American light lager.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 18:52:37 | More by Dusty6467

Twincrasher

2.78/5  rDev -16.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: Average look for blonde. Not impressive head for this style. Like much more in terms of head and lacing for blonde.

S: Metalic. Common for this brewery so far.

T: Eh. Phenol flavors that seem to overpower. Not very balanced.

O: Good, but not too impressive.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2012 20:31:48 | More by Twincrasher

bmwats

Louisiana

3.35/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz can, into a tumbler.

A: Hay color. Medium heavy carbonation. Pours about a half finger, foamy, white head. Settles pretty quickly, leaving a blanket of foam on the surface. Thick, beer ring lacing.

S: French bread.... not much else.

T: Sourdough bread, with a really doughy, pungent flavor.

M: Light body, pungent aftertaste.

D: Pound and enjoy.

Atmosphere is good enough. Fair body, and nondescript nose. Flavor is a light and crisp doughy thing. Overall, this is a pretty good quaff.

Serving type: can

10-28-2012 03:08:10 | More by bmwats

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.45/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 2 | overall: 3.5

Pours straw gold color and is clear. Modest head that dies off to rim bubbles. No lace.

Mild raw grain smell. It's as if the barley was barely malted. Low hop.

Reminds me of a Kolsch, which is a distinct improvement from the smell. Lots of pale malt up front with just enough hop to provide balance. The body of this beer seems off to me; it's way too thin and the carbonation is way to high. This is distracting. Otherwise, I find this to be a flavorful blonde.

Serving type: on-tap

10-24-2012 12:59:21 | More by smcolw

CHickman

New York

3.2/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours crystal clear light yellow with a nice 2 finger snow white head that was full of bubbles and faded leaving pretty decent lacing.

Smells grainy, with husk, light citrus hops, lemon, and wheat or bread; the nose is very basic and average, it smells like a macro lager.

Tastes like it smells, with grains, husk, light citrus hops, lemon, wheat, biscuit, grass and light yeast like cardboard. It’s light, crisp and refreshing, but rather dull tasting overall with too much, malt, corn and husk to keep you focused on the flavor.

Mouthfeel is light, crisp and refreshing, with very mild carbonation, a very light and almost watery body, and a session-able ease that lets it flow down like water. Micro impersonating macro, this was OK; a great lawn mowing beer.

Serving type: can

09-14-2012 02:38:52 | More by CHickman

tdm168

North Carolina

3.6/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - transparent, golden yellow with a quarter of an inch of thick, pure white head that has decent retention

S - faint cereal grains, a hint of lemon, faint grassy hops

T - bready, cereal grains, lemon, faint grass

M - light to medium bodied, a bit crisp but well carbonated

This is a rather malty brew. The bready flavors are intense. There are some fruity notes that come trhough as well. The lemon is most evident. There are some subtle, grassy hops, but overall, this is a bit unbalanced and ultimately a bit forgettable.

Serving type: can

09-12-2012 00:13:36 | More by tdm168

marlinsfan4

Maryland

3.38/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Part of the Ska brewing mixed 12 pack of cans, enjoyed on a nice hot week at the beach. Blonde ales are typically boring styles, but this one does seem to have a bit more body and taste than the usual one. Nice lemony touch, crisp hops, and clean finish, an above average blonde ale but probably wouldn't seek it out again.

Serving type: can

08-26-2012 22:20:01 | More by marlinsfan4

ChicagoBeerCat

Illinois

3.43/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

This beer has a nice peachy smell and a fairly decent clean, citrusy, bright taste. I am drinking it out of a regular pint glass. It is not the best beer I have ever had but it is a fairly decent session beer with a nice clean taste for a hot day. It is fairly drinkable but I wish it wasn't in a can.

Serving type: can

08-02-2012 23:47:15 | More by ChicagoBeerCat

JuicesFlowing

Kansas

3.35/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a standard pint glass. The beer is a clear golden/straw color. A fizzy white head dissipates soon, leaving a film. Some sticky lacing at first, then nothing. The beer smells slightly metallic, with malt and grassy notes. Tastes grassy, light, and somewhat of a lemon peel note. Mouthfeel is medium to light bodied.

Overall, standard fare from Ska. Not great, not awful. Pretty enjoyable when the temp is 103 and you're sitting on the deck, but I've had better. Not regrettable.

Serving type: can

07-04-2012 20:01:39 | More by JuicesFlowing

chugalug06

Colorado

3.85/5  rDev +15.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Two-finger, soapy, white head. Brew has brilliant yellow clarity.

Saaz hops dominate. Honey and slight ABV burn are also prevalent. Very light.

Crisp, clean, smooth. A bit soapy, but not in a bad way. Very refreshing brew for a HOT day! Best served ice cold. Sessionable. Nice medium carbonation. No bitterness.

It's a refreshing Blonde, sure beats BMC for tailgating, parties, ect. Very sessionable. Highly recommended on hot days or for drinking outdoors.

Serving type: can

06-24-2012 19:17:50 | More by chugalug06

TwelveOunces

Kentucky

3.2/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Can, consumed out of the can

This beer has a rather enticing aroma. Crisp, almost lager like and somewhat wheaty. There is also a light fresh hop character to it.
The taste however, is not as impressive. There is no hop flavor and it is best compared to an adjunt lager with wheat. The beer is drinkable but the flavor wont keep you interested. The feel is light which isnt bad but the aftertaste is poor and rather bland. This is a step up from the big name beers but a small step indeed.

Serving type: can

06-18-2012 02:47:04 | More by TwelveOunces

thydarkprevails

Illinois

1.78/5  rDev -46.7%
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

From a can to a duvel tulip. Beer pours a clear golden yellow with a finger length white head. Aroma is light bread, corn, very faint floral. Not much here. Taste is bready malt, more corn, and lower quality grains. Mouthfeel is thin and forgettable. Not my favorite beer.

Serving type: can

04-19-2012 11:39:41 | More by thydarkprevails

blackcompg

Illinois

3.2/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured from their 12oz can...

Appearance - Poured a finger of brite white head, color of the beer is a transparent lite yellowy gold. I get some faint webbed lacing.

Smell - Lite citrus and lemon, pear, and white bread.

Taste - Very light grains with a little apple, also a touch of faint lemon citrus. Long into the finish I get some very lite spice, like white pepper or coriander, and even a touch of floral hops. There is malty and lightly sweet backbone present throughout.

Mouthfeel - Mouthfeel is light, carb is medium which provides a clean crispness.

Overall - It's a fairly good beer, very sessionable at 5.3%, but not quite substantial enough for my personal tastes. Looks, drinks and nearly tastes like a lite beer, but with some nice flavoe, complexity and balance.

Serving type: can

04-06-2012 04:17:43 | More by blackcompg

facundoCNB

New Jersey

3.53/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

a straw yellow clear pour into a pint glass with nice amounts of head and lacing throughout the glass. smells of pils and grassy hops - a hint of citrus. tastes a bit bitter and wheaty. not much else there taste-wise. a nice refreshing mouthfeel though, light bodied and makes your cheeks cringe a tiny bit with the bitterness but is overall a crisp and refreshing summer blonde ale.

Serving type: can

03-21-2012 22:28:48 | More by facundoCNB

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.53/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

pours a nearly clear yellow with a fading 1.5 inch white head, but i prefer this one ice cold right from the can. smells like a medium bodied wheat beer, some malty textures, but nothing overbearing. hops here serve merely to make it crisp, nothing ornamental with the hops flavor wise. feel is pretty good, bubbly and foamy and drinkable. this is a very light beer in terms of it filling you up, very sessionable on a summery afternoon. definitely nothing special by ska's standards, but it serves it purpose rather effectively.

Serving type: can

03-15-2012 18:43:36 | More by StonedTrippin

xylophonica

Australia

3.85/5  rDev +15.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Murky golden colour with almost a finger of head and plenty of carbonation bubbles.

S - Sweet, slightly caramel malt with some light hops. Touch of fresh herbs as well.

T - Smooth and creamy at first with a soothing maltiness. As with the aroma there's a sensation of herbs (vaguely coriander) in there as well. Aftertaste is quite bitter and vaguely reminiscent of some darker malt flavours.

M - Plenty of creamy malt here which coats the mouth fairly quickly. Nice level of bitterness which creates a pleasant harmony.

O - Decent blonde ale with some nice creamy textures and a solid group of flavours. Unlike a lot of American beers there doesn't seem to be the usual identity crisis here - it's just a straight homage (or rip-off) of a classic Belgian pale ale. Not sure how this was classified as an American Blonde (I'm sure that's not a real category...) but it's an enjoyable beer with modest aspirations.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2012 07:33:00 | More by xylophonica

ADZA

Australia

2.75/5  rDev -17.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Thanks to Beermasons for this and pours a see through golden blonde hue which leaves a frothy three finger head and clingy lacing,the smell is quite average and has aromas of honeyed malts,herbal hops and some grassiness,the mouthfeel is lightbodied too light for me and the tastes arnt much better very similar to smell with hints of honeyed malts,grassy herbal hops,cereal and bread and overall love the label but thats it for me and wouldnt buy or drink again cheers.

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2012 08:09:56 | More by ADZA

denver10

Colorado

3.18/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a golden yellow with a slight white head that quickly drops down. Some honey, some lemon zest, some malt in both flavor and aroma. Very simple. A nice medium body to it. Overall, this is a very easy drinking beer. Not the most memorable but every once in a while it can hit the spot.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2012 21:16:24 | More by denver10

MrKennedy

Australia

3.23/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

12oz via Beermasons, poured into a Golden Monkey tulip.

Pours a hazy true-golden colour, with a nice white, soft, small-bubbled head of foam. Ok retention, the odd drip of lacing on the way down.

Smell is a mix of light floral bush honey to start, then lemon, lemon zest, orange peel and then sweet malt.

Taste is more of that sweet malt, not over the top, but it builds. Little bit of bush honey as a closer, but faint.

Some light pepperiness to it as well, instead of any noticeable hop bitterness. Body is more than sufficient for the style and ABV.

Nothing wrong with this, decent, simple enough to be sessionable, body is big enough to be content with just one. Have bought plenty worse.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2012 09:14:43 | More by MrKennedy

tjsdomer2

Illinois

3.6/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Apperance: Pretty standard for a light ale. Decent level of foam and some good carbonation. Lacing is ok too.

Smell: Some cider and lemon qualities. Good.

Taste/Mouthfeel: Mostly some honey-like malt with a bit of cider-like fruitiness. Can't complain overall. Gets kind of boring after a while. Mouthfeel has a nice body.

Overall Drinkability: A bit disappointing, but still worth the try.

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2012 04:46:35 | More by tjsdomer2

WoodBrew

Illinois

4/5  rDev +19.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Merry Christmas!!!!The first beer on this blessed Holiday is a True Blonde from SKA. The beer pours a golden clear with thin white head that is not lacing....due to the fruitiness. The smell has subtle lemon flare with delicate malt balance. The taste is a great balanced beer with good lemon zeal. The mouthfeel is a medium to light body with good carbonation. Overall the beer is quite tasty....and highly recommended.

Serving type: can

12-25-2011 18:47:19 | More by WoodBrew