Blond or Blonde? Lough Gill Irish Abbey Belgian Blond

Lough Gill Irish Abbey Belgian Blond: A Taste of Abbey Life

Blond or Blonde? 

Looking to get away from IPAs for a spell? Why not try a

goblet of Irish Abbey, a new Belgian Blond by Lough Gill Brewery? This Sligo take on the Belgian standard pours a captivating shade of mid-gold, topped with a frothy white head, and gives aromas that hint at complex flavours within.

And that zest and spice continue their dance onto the palate where other flavours, mostly citrus from the hops and a zesty spicy contribution from the coriander seeds (added late in the production process), all join in to make the beer surprisingly complex with a gentle bitter finish. 

With a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and a satisfyingly complex character, the Lough Gill Irish Abbey Belgian Blond invites you to savour every sip, unveiling new nuances with each taste. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or simply looking for a refreshing change of pace, it's a must-try.

Beer of the Week. Very Highly Recommended.

And while some may question the authenticity of the Belgian style from Lough Gill, the brewery has a ready answer if you query the abbey in the beer’s name. There is an ancient, now ruined, Dominican abbey in the town centre. I'm not too sure, though, that the Sligo monks ever produced beer as did their Belgian counterparts!

Geek Bits:

• Style: Belgian Blond
• ABV: 6.7% ABV
• Malts:  Irish Pale Malt, Wheat malt, a touch of Caramel Malt and Barley Flakes
• Hops: Saaz,  Magnum.
• Adjunct: Coriander seeds.

Belgians use the term “Blond,” while the French spell it “Blonde.” Mostly the ABV is in the 6.5 – 7% ABV range, so our Lough Gill is more or less spot-on. The Merriam-Webster dictionary says they both mean the same thing.  "If you want to follow the traditional spelling convention, use blonde for girls and women and blond for boys and men." Beer doesn't get a mention!