Brouwerij Affligem - Affligem Blond

Beer Guys prefer blonds/

Okay, I have a tale to tell about the subject of tonight's beer review. A few years ago, I wandered into my local Big Lots store, looking for bargains, when I spied a shelf filled with 750 ml bottles of Affligem Belgian beer. They had a Dubbel, a Tripel and a Blond...for A BUCK A BOTTLE! Score! I couldn't believe it. I bought a full case of each variety. Best beer deal I ever made.

Affligem the beer was originally brewed by Trappist monks in the Abbey of Affligem, in Bussels, starting around the year 1062. Holy cow! That's a long time ago! Wikipedia tells me that the beer is now brewed in the nearby village of Opwijk, under the "license" of the monks, but the brewery is owned by Heineken. Maaaaan! Apparently, everybody eventually sells out to the big corporations, even robed, silent men of God. Bummer.

In any case, Affligem Blond is a Belgian pale ale that comes with an ABV of 7%. I bought a 11.2 oz. bottle at 1856 bottle shop for $3.00.

The beer poured into my proper Belgian beer chalice a slightly hazy, golden yellow color. The fluffy, white head rose up to more than a finger thick and dissipated at a moderate rate. A minimal ring of lacing was left behind.

Aroma was Belgian yeast and spice. Coriander and clove. Light lemony citrus and banana scents in the background.

Taste was bready yeast and sweet malt. Banana, lemon peel, apple and Belgian spices. Mild citrus bitterness and an herbal zing rounded out the finish.

Medium mouthfeel with good carbonation. Dry finish with the spice and lemon/herbal flavor lingering on the palate.

This is a solid Belgian brew. You're not likely to ever find it at the price I did years ago, but the three bucks I paid was a bargain, too. I really enjoyed this beer. The Wonder Beagle started an impromptu display of her entire battery of tricks, trying to get me to give up a few drops. Thus, I'm giving Affligem Blond a BeerGuyPDX rating of 3 crushed cans out of 4 AND a Droolie.