As I type, Georgia has just been buried by snow and ice for the second time this February. And while I do love snow, it’s also nice to know that spring is on the way, and with the warmer weather will come lighter bodied, refreshing beers. Beers like Charleville Strawberry Blonde Ale.
This the second beer that I have enjoyed from Saint Genevieve, MO based Charleville. Charleville beers are not sold in my area, and I got this one from our own Tom Mulvihill (thanks Tom!). The beer is described on the label as “ale with natural strawberry flavor added” and has an alcohol content of 4.5% by volume.
More from the label:
This sexy blonde ale is balanced, refreshing, and would not be complete without the seductive essence of strawberries. This blonde is sure to please!
Charleville Strawberry Blonde pours to a pale yellow color tinged with highlights of gold and a towering creamy head formation. A thin layer of Brussels lace follows the liquid all the way to the bottom of the glass. Taking a sip, the beer is lightly biscuit-malty up front at first followed by a fruity strawberry essence flavor and then a dry balancing bitter hop finish.
What I like about this beer is that it is so delicate, refreshing, fruity, and yet dry and not at all sweet. In a minor way, it reminds me of the long defunct Pete’s Strawberry Blonde, though without the unwanted suggestions of Crunchberry cereal.
Enjoy it as the weather warms and for its refreshing dry fruitiness. I know I do.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft