Beer of the Week: More Fun Blonde

When locals with a penchant for beer think of Escondido, it’s most likely the castle-like estate that is Stone Brewing comes to mind. Let me be clear – there is nothing wrong with that. Meanwhile, certain devoted Escondidians with a lust for hops may affectionately envision Burgeon Beer Co.’s tiny-but-mighty all-outdoor satellite space at Escondido Feed & Pet Supply. And there’s nothing wrong with that either. But sometimes it can be fun to take a break from the prominent players, to stroll down the road less traveled to find the beauty in the lesser known. When it comes to Escondido beermakers, such an establishment exists in the form of Backyard Brewery. Nestled in an industrial area down the hill from the aforementioned Stone (or Palomar Medical Center if you prefer non-brewery landmarks), it’s a homey, locals-oriented hangout filled with regulars and plenty of beer, including, to my elation, Belgian-style ales. Those Old World gems are getting really hard to come by these days, cementing Backyard’s against-the-grain status and providing another reason to visit if you share my affliction. And if you do, you’ll likely enjoy this week’s featured beer, More Fun Blonde Ale. Pouring goldenrod hue, More Fun is just what Belgian-beer enthusiasts look for in the style: a floral, herbaceous, pale and slightly sweet everyday drinker that’s higher in alcohol than other regions’ blondes. Some might say that boozy boost is more fun…and I’d be one of them. Regardless, it’s especially enjoyable to take a day off from the familiar, settle in with the Backyard regulars (especially if you’re a homebrewer, because they have their own amateur beermaker supply store) and enjoy something that’s different yet happily familiar.

More Fun Blonde has all the malty richness and mouthfeel of a Belgian beer, with a light body and a crisp finish. It’s essentially a full-flavored session beer. It’s really all about balance. There’s a gentle butterscotch note in the background from the grain profile, but you wouldn’t consider this to be a sweet beer. The hop notes are floral and prominent on the tongue, but the aftertaste is distinctly clean.”

Bill Carter, Owner & Brewer, Backyard Brewery

Backyard Brewery is located at 2229 Micro Place in Escondido