Beer Stats

• BJCP Style: American Blonde Ale
• ABV: 5.1%
• IBU: 15
• Hops Variety: Loral & Mandarina Bavaria
• Malts: 2 Row Pale, Wheat, Corn & oats
• Brewery: Pretoria Fields Collective
• City: Albany, GA (Southwestern GA)

• Aroma: Floral, Citrus, Grain
• Appearance: Gold, Slight Haze, Thin White Head, Moderate Retention
• Flavor & Aftertaste: Citrus and Grain; Medium Sweetness; Restrained Bitterness
• Palate: Medium Bodied, Soft, Crisp Short Finish,
• Style Representation: Appropriate

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When you think of a go-to beer, what do you think of? I think of something very versatile. Something that I don’t have to give much thought to when deciding on what to take to a cook out, outdoor event or a food pairing I am not certain of. It should be light to medium-bodied, flavorful but not overwhelming and low on the ABV side. Beer styles that come immediately to mind are Czech Pilsners, Kolsch, Helles, and Blonde Ales. For Georgia craft beer enthusiasts, Pretoria Fields Skywater Golden Ale can be added to the list of choices in go-to beers.

Skywater Golden Ale pours a nice gold color with a slight haze to it. It produces a thin stark white head exhibiting moderate retention. Pretoria Fields uses Mandarina Bavaria and Loral hops to provide a nice floral hops aroma to accompany the grainy malt aroma. You’ll also detect some citrus notes as it aerates. The grain bill consists of two row barley, wheat, oats and corn making it moderately sweet and is balanced by a bitterness that is restrained. I know a lot of people may recoil at the use of corn in a grain bill; but it is perfectly acceptable in a Blonde Ale and contributes to a silky mouth-feel and drinkability. This golden ale is soft on the palate, but not overly sweet and ends with a pleasing crisp, short finish.

Pretoria Fields makes no pretenses about this beer. They describe it as an everyday beer for the “commoner”. It is crafted to be simple, versatile and easy drinking. I like what they have done with it and recommend it highly if you are looking for something in the Blonde/Golden Ale style category.

Thanks for reading. Until next time…Let Us Drink Beer!