Part of the Pale, Blond and Golden Ale style and closely related Premium Pale and Premium Blond Ales with which there is considerable cross over. Golden Ales are both light in colour and character they appeal to those wanting a refreshing drink but with a bit of extra body from the Premium strength. Similar flavour profile to Session Golden Ales, but a higher alcohol content.
Golden Ales are distinguished from Pale Ales and Blond Ales by their pronounced citrus hop character which may also impart a strong bitterness, which leads to a long satisfying finish.
Colour
Straw to Gold
Clarity
Clear to bright, but may be presented as unfined and therefore hazy
Carbonation
Low
Alcohol
Not usually detectable
Hop
Always present but the citrus characters dominate any earthy / spicy flavours, if indeed these are present at all
Malt
Minimal amounts only
Esters
Citrus flavours, typically grapefruit, tend to dominate
Phenols
None
Fermentation By-Products
None
Body
Medium to Full
Carbonation
Low
Finish Length
Medium to Long
Attenuation
Moderate dryness is to be expected
Hops
Relies heavily on New World hops such as Cascade, Galaxy and Chinook to deliver that citrus and often grapefruit punch
Malt
Used to give body rather than colour so Pale and Lager malts are used
Water
Often 'Burtonised' by larger brewers but town water can be used
Yeast
Ale
