Affligem Blonde

Deep gold with fairly good clarity and a modest white head, this beer exhibits Belgian aromatics with pear and apple the dominant fruit. Pepper and coriander are the prevailing spices over a bready malt backbone. Once it warms there is a little lemon zest that promises even more surprises. The flavor is as pleasing as the aroma suggests – spicier and slightly lower alcohol than I might expect. But the fruit aromas didn’t transfer with the same intensity to the flavor. The finish is dry and has a fi rm but pleasing bitterness. This beverage is very refreshing, lower in alcohol and much more quaffable than golden strong ales and tripels.