Established in 2008, Aspen Brewing Company was launch with a goal to produce “world-class beer, downstream from nobody.” Originally located just across the Roaring Fork River from the site of the original Aspen Brewery (founded in 1885, producing one beer to quench the thirst of Aspen’s mining population) Aspen Brewing Company has a strong community ethos, with a dedicated team passionate about the mountain lifestyle. Alongside plenty of community support, the brewery also strives to minimise its carbon footprint, recycling hot water and encasing their beers in cans – more environmentally-friendly than bottles. Moreover, Aspen Brewing Company were one of the first breweries to sign on to the Clean Water Act with Environment Colorado and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The brewery has also signed the Brewers for Climate Declaration, declaring they’re committed to the environment and maintaining a sustainable, efficient business.
Producing a wide range of award winning craft beer, striving to represent the outdoor lifestyle embodied in Aspen, the brewery’s This Season’s Blonde is an American Blonde Ale. Originally conceived as a seasonal beer, Aspen Brewing Company’s ‘Spring Blonde’ was immortalised as part of the brewery’s core ‘Silver Queen Series’ given its popularity. On pour, This Season’s Blonde is clear and golden, capped with a medium white head which adds creaminess to the beer’s mouth feel.
On the nose, clean aromas of grassy, floral hops are backed by some orange juice, caramel, underlying honey and a whisper of printer paper, complete with plenty of bready malt character. This malt character continues on the palate, with savours of toasted grain, sweet caramel and plenty of yeast – like a classic pilsner. Elsewhere, fruit notes of melon and lemon eventually come through, with some light hop bitterness balancing some of the malt-oriented body’s sweetness. An easy going summer ale, the beer finishes with some light bitterness rife with further yeast notes.
Further information on Aspen Brewing Company can be found here.
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