Thomas Hooker Blonde Ale

Brewed by Thomas Hooker Brewing Company
Style: Cream Ale
Bloomfield, Connecticut USA

12 oz bottle

Another bonus from jjpm. This one was decent but in my book the definition of an average beer. With nothing to seperate it from the crowd but no flaws major enough to warrant a drainpour this probably falls into the category of "safe transition beer". It’s not too risky enough for your average macro drinker but not good enough that you can’t do better in the future.

Aroma / Appearance - The golden carbonated body looked like a typical pale beer. A temporary head danced to the top then faded quickly. Grain and whole wheat cheerios were the sum of this basic nose. Predictable and bland this is the definition of safe.

Flavor / Palate - Wheat, honeydew melon and white toast were easy on the palate. I’d go so far as to say they are too easy; there is nothing to challenge the senses. There are hints of something better but nothing to show that. As far as lawnmower beers go this might be perfect. Otherwise you can do much better without much looking.

I was pleasantly surprised by the malt body on this one. I was expecting a pale lager crappy experience but got a bit of a better flavor and finish. Aroma does remind me of a pilsner with that crystal sugar, yeast, and bread. Flavor is slight citrus and again the body is decent, I’d call it medium with a medium finish as well. Overall a pleasant and surprising experience for the style but I probably won’t search this one out again. Tasted on draft at Taco Mac in Decatur.

From a 12 fl. oz (US) bottle with no lot number or expiration date that I could find. This one is the first Hooker product I have tried. Pours a hazy straw color with almost no head. I note the sweeter malts in the aroma. The malts in the flavor are strongly evident and sweet. If you like malts, you will find this to be impressive.

Gold. Big white head that quickly collapses to a craggy one-finger affair. Smells like beer - unremarkable except for a little sweet cakiness. Low hopping, graham sweetness, light cereal flavor. Medium body, a little briny, goes a little flat (though in fairness, these did run around in the back of the van for 150 miles, so the brews were agitated.) FInishes out with mild tanginess on the sides of the back of the tongue.

This beer pours out a clear golden blonde color with a fizzy head that fades rather quick but it leaves streaks allong the sides of the glass. It has a crisp aroma to it with hops and a nice sweetness. As you drink it the beer is bitter and fizzy initially with that golden creamyness. Although it fades rather quickly. The palate duration is very short mainly when the beer is in your mouth. Overall this is an alright blonde ale.

Bottle: Golden-orange, with just the barest of fizzles. The aroma is light and cookie-ish with a lemon maltiness. This drinks with a fairly balanced, predominately leaning towards a light biscuit with a tangy orange bite. Light yet flavorful. (#3211, 11/18/2007)

Poured from 12 oz. bottle, cloudy golden in color with tight white head. Aroma of wheat and hay with some light fruity undertones. Taste is somewhat sweet with a tight tartness at the end. Extremely carbonated. Definitely not one of my favorites in this category of beers and will not likely revisit this one.

Pours a slightly fogged gold. Nose is a very faint fruit tone with a faint odd metallic edge on the backside. Flavor is slightly sweet and smooth with that metallic peeking out on the back end of the flavor character as well. Feel is good on the liquid and has a nice level of bubble. Overall pretty drinkable. Smooth and even, it doesn’t carry a lot of body, but hey...it’s a cream ale.