Our Score: 89/100
Review of Perennial Southside Blonde
Perennial Southside Blonde presents itself as a charismatic figure in the realm of Belgian-style blonde ales. Shortly after opening, the beer introduces itself with a score of 89/100. Scoring stellarly in most of the categories – Aroma: 11, Appearance: 2, Flavor: 18, Mouthfeel: 4, it promises an engaging drinking experience. This solid standing speaks volumes about its quality and the effort the brewers at Perennial have put into crafting this unique Belgian-inspired brew.
Promises from the Brewers
First off, the brewers claim that the Southside Blonde is a ‘sessionable’ ale. Diving into what this means; sessionable beers are typically light-bodied, carry a low ABV, and have a balanced flavor profile – making them perfect for longer drinking sessions. As promised by the brewers, the Southside Blonde does indeed embody these characteristics, thereby offering an experience that can be enjoyed over extended periods without overwhelming the palate.
The brewers especially highlight a distinct fruitiness present in the beer, which they attribute to the yeast. Curiously, they maintain that the Southside Blonde is a friendly companion to a wide array of food choices, thereby inviting a diverse demographic of drinkers to try the beer.
Panel Thoughts on Aroma and Flavor
Seconding the brewer’s note about the yeast, our panel found that a strong clove phenol aroma dominated the sniffing sessions. It was closely followed by a subtle bubblegum scent complemented by an underlying herbal and grassy hops notes and an awareness of light bready malt.
As for flavor, while the clove remained a dominant contender, hops seemed to jump onto the platform. A plethora of flavors such as lemon, grassy, and grapefruit delightfully danced across the palate. The beer showcased low sweetness and low bitterness and reminded our panel of spiced holiday wine.
Surprisingly, despite being a light-bodied beer, it had quite a full-bodied texture, which was a departure from the usual ‘traditional’ blonde. However, this didn’t take away from the beer in any way; instead, it added an element of pleasant surprise to the drinking experience.
Overall Takeaway
In conclusion, the Southside Blonde offers an intriguing blend of hops-forward flavors combined with unique Belgian fermentation. It stands out for its creative approach to a Belgian-style blonde ale and in the way it presents a symphony of flavors for the palate. The way the fruity fermentation esters intermingle with the hops flavor makes for a delightful and enduring experience. Though it may not be traditional in some respects, the Southside Blonde stays true to its promise of offering an accessible and thoroughly enjoyable beer experience for all types of beer drinkers.
A bubbly personality with a uniquely spiced flavor, the Perennial Southside Blonde, is definitely worth a try for those seeking a convivial, long-lasting bevvy experience
Rwhelming the palate.
Taste and Aroma
The Southside Blonde delivers on its promise of a balanced flavor profile. It greets the palate with a subtle malt sweetness, followed by a delicate fruitiness that hints at flavors of pear, apple, and banana. The use of traditional Belgian yeast adds a touch of complexity, lending a spicy and slightly earthy note to the overall taste.
In terms of aroma, the Southside Blonde offers a pleasant and inviting blend of fruity esters, yeast, and light floral notes. This aromatic combination adds an additional layer of enjoyment to the drinking experience, enticing the senses before the first sip even touches your lips.
Appearance and Mouthfeel
The Southside Blonde pours a vibrant golden hue, with a slight haze that adds to its appeal. Its frothy white head lingers for a while, providing an aesthetically pleasing sight.
As for mouthfeel, this beer showcases a medium-light body that is refreshing and easy to drink. It has a moderate carbonation level that enhances the drinking experience, creating a lively sensation on the palate without being overly fizzy.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Perennial Southside Blonde is a standout example of a Belgian-style blonde ale. With its impressive score of 89/100, it is evident that this brew has captured the essence of the style and delivers a high-quality drinking experience. Whether you are a fan of Belgian beers or simply looking to explore new flavors, the Southside Blonde is definitely worth a try. Its balanced taste, enticing aroma, and sessionable nature make it a reliable choice for any occasion.
Rwhelming the palate.
Additionally, the brewers boast about the use of traditional Belgian yeast strains in the brewing process, which contributes to the beer’s unique flavor and aroma. This attention to detail in selecting and utilizing specific strains of yeast is evident in the rich and complex flavors that the Southside Blonde offers.
An Engaging Drinking Experience
With its impressive score of 89/100, it is clear that the Perennial Southside Blonde delivers on its promises. The beer’s enticing aroma, pleasing appearance, well-balanced flavor, and smooth mouthfeel make it a standout choice in the world of Belgian-style blonde ales. Whether you are a seasoned beer connoisseur or a casual drinker looking to explore new flavors, the Southside Blonde is definitely worth a try.
Overall, Perennial Southside Blonde is a testament to the skill and dedication of the brewers at Perennial. With its enticing presentation and captivating taste, it is a beer that is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Cheers to Perennial for creating a brew that stands out among its peers and provides an engaging drinking experience.
Rwhelming the palate or causing intoxication too quickly.
Tasting Notes
Upon taking the first sip, one is immediately greeted with a refreshing burst of flavors. The aroma is inviting, with hints of citrus, floral notes, and a subtle maltiness. The appearance is golden and clear, with a vibrant effervescence that adds to the overall appeal. The flavor profile is well-rounded, with a delicate balance of sweet malts, fruity esters, and a subtle hop bitterness. The mouthfeel is light and crisp, making it easy to drink and enhancing the overall refreshing nature of the beer.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Perennial Southside Blonde is a standout Belgian-style blonde ale that lives up to its score of 89/100. Its sessionable nature, balanced flavor profile, and overall craftsmanship make it a delightful choice for those seeking a quality Belgian-inspired beer. Whether enjoyed on a sunny afternoon or paired with a delicious meal, this beer is sure to impress and satisfy any craft beer enthusiast.