Flat Earth Hep Cat Blonde Ale

Flat Earth Hep Cat Blonde Ale. Brewed and bottled by Flat Earth Brewing Company, Saint Paul, MN.

Full disclosure time: Blonde Ale, the American kind, ranks among the bottom-most of beer styles for me. But, as I continue my survey of Minnesota-brewed beers, I simply have to try them all, whether I care for the style or not. I have the ability to appreciate all styles, whether I'd choose to enjoy one or not.

I recall when this was first produced, and then-owner Jeff Williamson tried to get me to buy a keg for the bar I was managing, perhaps knowing of my fondness for jazz. (Or my love of cats? Or he just wanted to move some beer?) Since I didn't think I could move a 1/2 barrel of blonde ale, I passed, and tried it later at another bar and

was disappointed. Now, here we have it in bottles. Has the new brewer done a better job of it? That's what I'm trying to find out, so let's get to it!

Appearance: lightly hazed, bright golden hue, with a slim, lace-leaving snow-white head.

Aroma: Mostly malty, cereal and straw, …low hops. Little else.

Taste: A little smack of hops greets us first, tiny bursts of citric fruit, alpha acid bitterness, then cool and easy. Very lean-bodied. More sips in, hoppiness remain higher than I'd think. I only wish there were more going on with the malt character. Actually, I'm not minding this at all. Soda cracker on the bottom, soda pop on the top. Bitterness lays low in the end, but lingers through the finish.

I wonder what the label will tell us? "Pilsner, carapils, and honey malts. Northern Brewer, Saaz and Hallertau hops. American ale yeast and St. Paul water. IBU-26. Alcohol 4.5% by Vol. …A Hep Cat was the original hipster. The coolest, craziest, avant-garde Jazz aficionado. These cats knew who was who, what was up, and if it was happening, where it was going down. Originally brewed for the Saint Paul Jazz Fest, this lightly hopped, malty session ale won't leave you too tired or full to make the after party. A refreshing beverage for anyone who loves good beer, whether you're enjoying while out and about with friends on a long, hot summer day or staying in on a cool fall night, if you have one of these in your hand you're definitely where the party is at."

Talky things, ain't they, these beer labels….at least they give out enough information. The Saaz and Hallertau really set this American blonde ale apart.