Guinness Blonde: Wheat Beer Or Not?

Guinness Blonde is a lager beer, not a wheat beer. It was first released in 2014 and is brewed in Latrobe, Pennsylvania using a combination of Guinness yeast and American ingredients. It is light gold in colour, with a white rocky head, and has a floral, light citrus and pale malt aroma. The beer is smooth, crisp and well-balanced, with a lingering malt and biscuity finish.

Guinness Blonde is an American-style lager

The Guinness Blonde American Lager is a significant departure from the brand's iconic Draught beer, which is known for its dark colour and thick, creamy head. The Blonde lager is 80% lighter in colour and has a much more refreshing and crisp taste. It is also described as having a “fast” finish, with an aftertaste that disappears quickly.

The creation of the Blonde lager is part of Guinness's "Discovery Series," which is the brand's planned foray into experimental brewing. It is a collaboration between Guinness and City Brewing Co., and it marks the first time that Guinness has exported its yeast culture to the US.

The lager has received mixed reviews, with some praising its flavour and mouthfeel, while others find it disappointing. However, it is generally agreed that it is a well-made and flavourful rendition of an American-style lager.

Guinness Blonde is an interesting addition to the brand's portfolio and offers a lighter, more refreshing option for those who want to enjoy a Guinness on a hot summer day or when looking for something different from the traditional stout.

It is light gold in colour with a white rocky head

The colour of Guinness Blonde is a topic of much discussion. Some describe it as a light gold, while others say it is a golden blonde. One source even describes it as the hue of weak ice tea. Whatever the exact shade, it is clear that Guinness Blonde is a light-coloured beer.

The head of Guinness Blonde is also a notable feature. It is described as white and rocky, rising about half an inch before quickly dissipating. This head is said to be dense and creates a creamy, smooth mouthfeel. The combination of light colour and white head gives Guinness Blonde a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other beers, especially the traditional dark-coloured Guinness stouts.

The light colour of Guinness Blonde is achieved through a combination of ingredients, including North American ingredients such as Pacific Northwest hops and classic Guinness yeast. The use of Mosaic and Willamette hops also contributes to the golden hue. The beer is brewed in the United States, specifically in Baltimore, Maryland, and Latrobe, Pennsylvania, which is a departure from the traditional Irish brewing location of Guinness beers.

The white rocky head of Guinness Blonde is a result of the brewing process and the use of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The head is described as dense and contributes to the overall mouthfeel and texture of the beer. The combination of light colour and white head creates a visual appeal that adds to the overall drinking experience.

The appearance of Guinness Blonde, with its light gold colour and white rocky head, is an important aspect of the beer's character. It sets the tone for the drinking experience and contributes to the overall impression of the beer. The colour and head also differentiate Guinness Blonde from other beers in the market, especially the traditional dark stouts associated with the Guinness brand.

It has a floral, citrusy aroma

Guinness Blonde is an American lager with a floral, citrusy aroma. It is a light gold colour, with a white rocky head that dissipates quickly. The beer has a grainy character with notes of butter and hints of toast and green apple. The Mosaic and Willamette hops used in the brewing process combine with the yeast to create a subtle dance of citrus fruit and floral undertones.

The aroma of Guinness Blonde is a result of the combination of hops, yeast, and other ingredients. The Mosaic and Willamette hops are American hops that contribute to the citrus and floral aromas. The yeast used is Guinness's 125-year-old yeast culture, which was exported from Ireland to the United States for the first time for this beer. The other ingredients in Guinness Blonde include roasted barley, malted barley, and water.

The floral and citrusy aroma of Guinness Blonde is one of the key characteristics that sets it apart from other beers. It is described as having a "mixture of floral, light citrus, and pale malt" aroma. The citrus notes are also emphasised by the fruity ale yeast esters used in the brewing process. The overall impression of the aroma is one of freshness and subtlety, with a delicate balance of flavours.

The aroma of Guinness Blonde is an important factor in the overall taste experience of the beer. The floral and citrus notes complement the pale malt, bready, and biscuit-like flavours that are typical of American Blonde Ales. The moderate hop levels provide a balanced bitterness that enhances the overall taste profile. The beer is described as having a smooth, clean, and crisp mouthfeel, with a fast finish that leaves the palate clean for the next sip.

The floral and citrusy aroma of Guinness Blonde is a unique and appealing feature of this beer. It invites drinkers to take a sip and experience the complex and flavorful taste profile. The aroma sets the expectation for a refreshing and light beer, which is delivered through the crisp mouthfeel and well-balanced flavours. The subtle dance of citrus and floral notes lingers on the palate, making it a pleasurable drinking experience, especially on a hot summer day.

It is brewed with Mosaic and Willamette hops

Guinness Blonde is an American-style lager, brewed with Mosaic and Willamette hops. The hops used in a beer are an important consideration for brewers, as they contribute to the aroma, flavour, and overall character of the beer.

Mosaic hops were first released in 2012 and have since become one of the most common varieties, with nearly 1,800 acres under cultivation in Idaho and Washington in 2015. Mosaic hops are known for their distinct aroma, described as blueberry, tangerine, papaya, rose, blossoms, and bubble gum. They can create sweet, fruity aromas while still resulting in a dry beer. The Mosaic hops in Guinness Blonde contribute to the subtle hints of citrus and floral undertones in the beer.

Willamette hops, on the other hand, are known for their versatility and well-rounded aroma. They have moderately spicy, floral, and fruity notes that complement a wide range of beer styles and blend well with other hops. Willamette hops are commonly used in American Ale, Golden Ale, or Brown Ale brews. In Guinness Blonde, the Willamette hops contribute to the earthy and spicy character of the beer, balancing out the citrus and floral notes from the Mosaic hops.

The combination of Mosaic and Willamette hops in Guinness Blonde results in a complex and flavorful lager. It has a light, floral character with hints of citrus and a lingering malt and biscuit-y finish. The moderate hop levels provide flavour and bitterness to balance the malt sweetness, resulting in a smooth, clean, crisp, and well-balanced beer.

It is not wheat-free or gluten-free

Guinness Blonde is a lager, not a wheat beer. It is brewed in the US, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and is the first Guinness beer to be brewed outside of Ireland. The beer is a light gold colour and has a white, rocky head. It has a floral, light citrus and pale malt aroma, with a grainy character and subtle hints of butter. The beer has a creamy, chewy mouthfeel and a smooth character.

While Guinness Blonde is not a wheat beer, it may not be suitable for those with wheat allergies or intolerances. This is because it is brewed with barley malt, which contains gluten. Additionally, there may be cross-contamination with wheat when the barley is milled. Therefore, Guinness Blonde is not wheat-free or gluten-free.

The ingredients listed on the Guinness website include "roasted barley, malted barley, hops, yeast, and water". While these ingredients do not include wheat, the brewing process and equipment used may result in trace amounts of wheat in the final product. This is important to consider for those with wheat allergies or intolerances, as even small amounts of wheat can cause a reaction.

It is worth noting that Guinness has experimented with wheat beers in the past. One example is Breó, a wheat beer that cost around IR£5 million to develop. However, Guinness Blonde is not a wheat beer and is not marketed as such. It is important for consumers to be aware of the ingredients and potential allergens in the products they consume, especially if they have specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

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