This Belgian Blonde Ale recipe is a delicious, strong and straw-colored beer with a spicy and slightly hoppy aroma, complemented by a malty sweetness and a dry, candi-sugar finish. This recipe yields approximately 40 pints of beer, and has an estimated ABV of 7.4%, making it a perfect choice for beer enthusiasts who enjoy a complex and flavorful brew.
Belgian Blonde Ale
Equipment
- 1 Mash tun
- 1 Large boiling pot
- 1 Fermenter
- 1 Airlock
- 1 Hydrometer
- 1 Thermometer
- 1 Auto-siphon
- 1 Bottling bucket
- 1 Bottles or keg
- 1 Bottle or keg filler
- 1 Bottle or keg cleaning and sanitizing solution
- 1 Bottle or keg caps or tap
Ingredients
For the Mash – Liquor 16.25 Litres (28½ Pints) – Mash Time 1 hr – Temperature 65°c/149 °F
- 13.4 lb Pilsner Malt Quantity 6kg
- 9 oz Caravienne Malt Quantity 250g
- 9 oz Caramunich I Malt Quantity 250g
For the Boil – 27 Litres (47½ Pints) – Boil Time 1 hr – 10 mins
- 1 oz (Hops) East Kent Golding 5.5% When to add – At start of boil (IBU 16.1)
- ⅓ oz (Hops) Styrian Golding 5.5% When to add – For last 10 mins of boil (IBU 1.9)
- ⅔ oz (Hops) Styrian Golding 5.5% When to add – At turn off (IBU 0.0)
- 1 tsp Protofloc Other – When to add – For last 15 mins of boil
- 10½ oz Belgian candi sugar light Other – When to add – For last 5 mins of boil
To Ferment – 22°C (72°F) – Conditioning 6 weeks at 12°C (54°F)
- 1 Wyeast 1388 Belgian Strong Ale
Instructions
Mash:
- Heat 16.25 litres (28.5 pints) of water to 65°C (149°F) in a mash tun.
- Add the crushed malts (Pilsner, Caravienne, and Caramunich I) to the mash tun and mix thoroughly.
- Mash for 1 hour at 65°C (149°F).
- After the mash, sparge the grains with hot water to collect the wort.
Boil:
- Add the collected wort and 27 litres (47.5 pints) of water to a large boiling pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and add 1 oz (28g) of East Kent Golding hops at the start of the boil.
- Boil for 50 minutes.
- Add 1/3 oz (9g) of Styrian Golding hops and 1 tsp of Protofloc to the boiling mixture.
- Boil for another 5 minutes.
- Add 10.5 oz (300g) of Belgian candi sugar light and 2/3 oz (19g) of Styrian Golding hops to the boiling mixture.
- Boil for the final 5 minutes.
Fermentation and Conditioning:
- Chill the boiled wort to 22°C (72°F).
- Transfer the wort to a sanitized fermenter and add the Wyeast 1388 Belgian Strong Ale.
- Ferment the beer for 8 weeks at 22°C (72°F).
- After fermentation, condition the beer for 6 weeks at 12°C (54°F).
- Carbonate and bottle or keg the beer and let it age for a few more weeks for optimal flavor.
Makes 🍻 | Ready to Drink 🍺 | Estimated ABV | Bitterness Rating | Color Rating |
23 Litres (40 Pints) | 8 Weeks | 7.4% | 18 IBU | 12.9 EBC |
Flavorful and Complex Beer
This Belgian Blonde Ale recipe is a perfect choice for beer enthusiasts who appreciate a flavorful and complex brew. With a combination of Pilsner, Caravienne, and Caramunich malts, as well as a blend of East Kent Golding and Styrian Golding hops, this beer has a rich, malty flavor and a spicy, slightly hoppy aroma. The addition of Belgian candi sugar adds a touch of sweetness and contributes to the beer’s dry finish.
Easy-to-Follow Instructions
Even if you’re new to brewing, this recipe is easy to follow. With detailed instructions for each step of the process, you can make a delicious pint of Belgian Blonde Ale in no time. From mashing the grains to bottling the finished beer, this recipe guides you through every step of the process.
Impressive Yield
This recipe yields approximately 40 pints of beer, making it a great choice for parties or gatherings. Impress your friends with your brewing skills and share your delicious Belgian Blonde Ale with others.
Customize to Your Liking
While this recipe produces a delicious beer, you can also customize it to your liking. Experiment with different malts, hops, or yeasts to create a beer that perfectly suits your taste preferences. With this recipe as a starting point, the possibilities are endless.
FAQ on Making this Belgian Blonde Ale Recipe
What is the origin of Belgian Blonde Ale?
Belgian Blonde Ale originates from Belgium and is a straw-colored, strong ale.
What are the ingredients needed to make this beer?
The ingredients needed to make this beer include Pilsner Malt, Caravienne Malt, Caramunich I Malt, East Kent Golding hops, Styrian Golding hops, Protofloc, Belgian candi sugar light, and Wyeast 1388 Belgian Strong Ale yeast.
What is the estimated ABV of this beer?
The estimated ABV of this beer is 7.4%.
How long does it take to ferment this beer and at what temperature?
It takes 25 days to ferment this beer at a temperature of 22°C (72°F).
What type of yeast should be used for this recipe?
Wyeast 1388 Belgian Strong Ale yeast should be used for this recipe.
What equipment is needed to make this beer?
Equipment needed to make this beer includes a brewing kettle, fermenting vessel, bottling equipment, and thermometer.
Can this recipe be customized to suit personal taste preferences?
Yes, this recipe can be customized by experimenting with different malts, hops, or yeasts.
What is the role of Belgian candi sugar in this recipe?
Belgian candi sugar light adds sweetness and contributes to the beer’s dry finish.
What is the difference between Belgian Blonde Ale and Belgian Strong Ale?
Belgian Blonde Ale is lighter in color and has a lower ABV than Belgian Strong Ale.
What food pairings go well with this beer?
Belgian Blonde Ale pairs well with light seafood dishes, salads, and mild cheeses.