Aurochs Brewing Blonde Ale

Aurochs Brewing Blonde Ale

Pennsylvania’s Only Dedicated Gluten Free Brewery

This is the updated review for Aurochs Brewing Co.’s flagship Blonde Ale. I first released a review for this beer back in 2018, but a lot has changed since then, so it’s time for a fresh pour! The Aurochs Blonde Ale used to be packaged in 12 ounce bottles, but hey have since switched over to 12 ounce cans.

As you may have noticed, the east coast is seriously lacking in gluten free breweries. (As my readers confirm daily.) Thank goodness Aurochs is there to help fill that void. They have certainly set a high bar over there in Pittsburg. If you’re anywhere nearby, make the day trip. You won’t regret it.

Aurochs cans several different gluten free beers, including this Blonde Ale, a Session IPA, an Amber, and a Porter! They also can seasonals sometimes, but it’s hard for me to track those down being on the opposite coast from them.

Many gluten free beers these days are brewed with 3 or 4 types of grain, but this one only has two. Millet and quinoa, and in that order. I must say…quinoa seems to create amazing beer. You may have noticed Ground Breaker’s head brewer make a similar statement in the online brew tour while answering questions about homebrewing. This blonde is also brewed with orange peel and coriander. The hops are a blend of Saaz and Amarillo.

The Taste Test

Aurochs Blonde Ale

This beer pours very nicely. It has a crystal clear dandelion yellow color and a decent head for a Blonde. Once poured, you could easily read a book through this beer it’s so clear. The head doesn’t rush away, but when it’s gone, there’s still texture left at the surface of the glass.

My first sip shocked me! This is the most fruity blonde I’ve ever tasted. It’s citrus qualities are significant but so are the tropical tones. It’s not particularly sweet. This blonde ale is crisp to start and gentle to finish. It’s quite complex, and goes down very smooth. There is a bit of tartness present too.

This refreshing Blonde Ale would be absolutely perfect for a hot summer afternoon! It’s light and thirst quenching, but also interesting and flavorful. My typical complaint with blondes is that they’re a bit boring to me…but I feel differently about this one. The Aurochs Blonde Ale clocks in at 4.5% ABV, so it’s a nice mild brew.

You all know by now that I’m not much of a blonde ale person, but I’ve found myself (actually) enjoying several of the gluten free blondes I’ve reviewed in recent months. Be sure to check out my other recent blonde review. I’ll link to them at the end of this review.

Damn…I just have to comment on these tropical flavors again. They are very strong, and since the beer is extremely low on the bitterness scale (only 13 IBU), the fruit really takes the stage here. There’s banana and lemon and melon…

I also enjoy the texture, body is light but still significant. (If that makes any sense.) There is a very slight presence of bitterness towards the end of the swallow. I didn’t notice it at first. It fades quickly and does not linger, but it’s there.

I recommend getting your hands on some Aurochs beer if you’re based on the East coast, particularly if you’re in their Pennsylvania distribution network.

If you’ve been lucky enough to visit the taproom in person, I bet you’ve had the opportunity to taste many more styles, and I would LOVE to hear what you think of them! Perhaps leave your comment below this article for all to see? ????‍♀️

Other Blondes I’ve Reviewed:

• Holidaily Favorite Blonde Ale
• Evasion Brewing Blonde Ale
• Event Horizon Blonde Ale
• Neff Brewing Apollo Blonde Ale
• Bierly Brewing James Blonde Ale
• Glutenberg Blonde Ale

P.S. Like what I do for the gluten free beer community? Consider buying me a beer for my efforts! ;)