Judge’s Review: 92 Rating – New Wave by Pontoon Brewing

Blonde Ale | Year-Round | United States

By Jim Koebel

Judges Rating: 92
Aroma: 24
Appearance: 4
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 18

New Wave by Pontoon Brewing is a blonde ale and was judged as BJCP Category 18A.
This golden-colored beer has a very pleasant aroma, which is also more complex than typically found in the blonde ale style. It has notes of corn and light DMS, grainy sweetness and noble hops. There is also a strawberry character that carries over into the flavor. It tastes similarly grainy-sweet with very low noble hop flavor and gentle bitterness. This beer has a smooth, medium body but needs additional carbonation. This is indicated not only by the mouthfeel, but also by the lack of foam when poured. Otherwise, New Wave is a very enjoyable example of the style.