Blonde Ale

[laneto]

I'm going to brew a blonde ale next weekend and not sure what type of hops best fit the style. What hops would you recommend and why? Thanks for the input.

[toneyc]

The Blonde Ale from Austin Homebrew uses 1oz of Centennial for bittering and 1oz of Willamette for aroma. I really think this is one of my favorite beers. Nice hoppy character. Dangit, it'll be two more weeks before I get to taste it again!

:D
Toney.

[brewmonkey]

For blonde ales I am more inclined to go with softer hops like Mt. Hood or Hallertauer.

[laneto]

brewmonkey For blonde ales I am more inclined to go with softer hops like Mt. Hood or Hallertauer.

at what amounts and schedule?

[brewmonkey]

I would shoot for the lower IBU's like in the 15-20 IBU range with 10-13 coming in the 60 minute addition 3-5 at 30 minutes and 2 at 5 minutes. Should give it a crisp bitterness to balance the malt and just a touch for flavor and aroma. I know the style can go for more then that but the upper end of this style starts heading into the Pale Ale category and might be a touch bitter. Should be drinkable, well balanced with just a touch of the hops shining through.

What does your grain bill look like for this beer or is it going to be extract?

If it is grain I would shoot for 90% 2row, pale malt will work but might be a touch dark, I prefer to use a lager malt. 5% carapils and 5% wheat. Shooting for a mash temp of 152, let the carapils add a touch of body and the wheat will give it head retention. Single infusion will work as there is hardly any wheat malt. The mash temp and carapils addition should give this a nice body, not light but not thick and with the IBU's above it should be a great session beer for the deck in the summer time. I shoot for the lower side of the gravity on this beer and like to come in no higher then a 1.048.

A good pilsner malt for this style is the briess pilsner that comes in at .9L. It is super light so if you want to add some color to it switch the carapils for Carastan 13-17 from Hugh Baird.