Cloisterphobia

They've been feeling social again at Weihenstephan. Last time, they made a collaborative weissbier with Sierra Nevada. Now it's a blonde ale with the help of St Bernardus: Braupakt Blonde.

Despite being brewed in Germany, and being the clear gold of a refined Helles, it's a very Belgian 6.5% ABV and has a very Belgian aroma of spices, fruit and cake. It's definitely a Belgian-style blonde to taste, with forenotes of honey, clove and a leafy tea bitterness. Flowers and bubblegum spread across the palate later. But there's a German streak too: a crisp-linen cleanness, tolerating warm fermentation but keeping it in check, within precisely defined parameters. That's the Weihenstephan way. 

Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of it. I prefer the more floral and fruity sort of Belgian blonde ales, those with a softer texture and a luxurious feel. This seems a little tight and strict, like it was made in a lab rather than a brewery. Despite the happy clerics on the label, I get no feels from it: it's just an exercise. Points awarded for doing something a bit different, but both breweries generally make better beer than this by themselves.