The history of golden or blonde ales started in the United States in the 1970s when craft beers started to become popular. The brewers invented this style to attract American consumers, who typically preferred industrial beers. Thanks to their drinkability, these ales are still among the most appealing to the average drinker who may not feel like trying the more complex flavors of many of the craft beers. 

Blonde or golden ales immediately evoke summer thanks to their refreshing aroma. Chill them before drinking, ideally to a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to use a tulip glass to get the most out of their malty flavor. These craft beers pair well with fresh salads, fruit, German bratwurst, salmon and some cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack and fontina. Looking for something more adventurous? You can pair your favorite blonde ale with falafel, hummus, sushi and certain Italian dishes. 

Blonde ales have a very balanced flavor without dominating hop or malt notes. That's why they're so easy to drink. They can also feature notes of fruits, bread, biscuits, caramel and wheat, other than a hint of sweetness from the malt. They are in the 15 to 25 range in the International Bittering Units (IBU) scale, which measures the bitterness of a beer based on the hop content. Brewers use many different types of hops to make these beers, resulting in a wide choice of varieties. Blonde ales typically have a low alcohol content, from 4.1% to 5.1% alcohol by volume (ABV). With medium or high carbonation, they are among the most refreshing ales. 

Want to find your favorite golden ale beer? Browse these links to search for Drizly in your city, or look for liquor stores on Drizly near you.