The pFreim Belgian Strong Blonde is another offering form the Tavour Holiday Gift Box and it’s another beer that is outside my wheelhouse. I have been coming around on Belgian Blondes lately though, so I was excited to try this one.
pFreim Family Brewers opened their doors in Hood River, Oregon in 2012. According to their website they currently have over 20 beers in production with a Barrel Aged Imperial Stout on the way. The pFreim Belgian Strong Blonde is part of their Select line and is available year-round on draft and semi-annually in bottles.
pFreim Belgian Strong Blonde
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale
ABV: 7.5%
IBU: 30
Hops: Hallertau, Perle, Styrian Golding, Czech Saaz
Malts: Gambrinus Canadian Pilsner
Yeast: Belgian Ale
Availability: Year round on draft and semi-annually in bottles
MSRP: $5.99 – 12.7 oz bottle
Brewer: pFrien Family Brewing – Hood River, OR
Beers consumed for review: 1 – 12.7 oz bottle
Beer was included in the Tavour Holiday Gift Box
Nose: The aroma pFreim Belgian Strong Blonde was bright with notes of Belgian yeast and cloves. There was a doughy component in there as well.
Appearance: It poured a hazy golden yellow in color with one inch of foamy white head. The head hung around pretty well and there was some nice lacing. I’m not sure how much this matters, but it was a really good looking beer.
Flavor: On my first sip I picked up notes of Belgian yeast along with some cloves and pear. I was not expecting the pear flavor in there. Then I read the back of the bottle and it said to expect notes of cloves and pear. So I guess I should have expected it. Anyway, there was a nice crisp sweetness up front and a tangy bitterness on the finish. There was a lot of complexity in there and the 7.5 % ABV gave it a little kick. The mouthfeel was a bit heavier than expected, but I found it enjoyable.
Overall Thoughts: I want more. I really, really enjoyed this beer. I have been coming around on Belgians lately and this was one of the best I have had. I loved everything about it. It is a bit pricey at $5.99 for a 12.7 oz bottle, but I think its worth it. Now I just need to find a place that has it locally.
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