Belgian Strong Blonde Ale Brewed by: Brasserie de Blaugies Country: Belgium Style: Blonde / Golden ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 8% Ratebeer.com rating: not rated BeerAdvocate.com rating: 83 Blaugies BDB (ABV 8%) is an outstanding Belgian Strong Blonde ale that offers everything you want from the style. BDB pours a slightly hazy gold with a pale amber rim. It’s topped by dense bright white foam which leaves delicate lacing behind with every sip. The aromas coming from the glass are of clean cereal grain malts, floral hops, and fruity yeast. Lots of citrus notes and honey aromas are supported by wafts of apricot, peach, and flecks of white pepper. On the palate the BDB carries itself with elegance but shows some rustic vibes as well. The first sip brings in bitter tangerine peel and fleshy stone fruit such as apricot and yellow plums seasoned with a sprinkling of white pepper. Lightly toasted malts make up the mid-palate complemented by fruity and floral yeast esters, then a second wave of fruit notes comes in towards the finish, reminiscent of pear and apple with hints of spicy phenols. The finish shows a bit of the “farmhouse” as it were, which confirms the initial rustic vibe. This is Belgian Blonde ale at its finest. Brasserie de Blaugies used their decades of brewing experience and poured it literally into this amazing brew. Bravo! (And thanks to the Rare Beer Club for this great description!) 12.7 oz. bottle. Brewery Information: Brasserie de Blaugies was founded in 1987 by married schoolteachers Marie-Noëlle Pourtois and Pierre-Alex Carlier, who are adventurous in recreating traditional farmhouse beer styles. Their tiny brewery is built into the garage of a comfortable farmhouse, and is operated by Pourtois, Carlier, and their two sons. Their output is small, but so well-crafted that it's highly regarded among connoisseurs of fine Belgian Ales.