Five Popular Blondes side by side in a craft beer bar. You thought this was going to be a blonde joke, didn’t you? Well this was a night for people who are serious about amazing coffee in a great blonde ale!

The wonderful, smooth blonde ale from First Street Brewing Company in Hastings, Nebraska is the base for all of the variants. When talking with Nathan Hoeft, co-owner and head brewer, he told me this has been a project he has always wanted to do. I think I have met my match when it comes to someone that loves great coffee as much as I do!

• Popular Blonde (original)

  Subtle but present coffee flavor. Very smooth and enjoyable from front to end. This blonde will have your attention for hours!

  Coffee: Populace Coffee via Art Bar

• This Blonde's Got Clout

  When you make a beer with bourbon barrel aged coffee you get so many interesting things going on! Bourbon and coffee aroma with bourbon up front and a rich coffee flavor in the middle and finish. This is one sophisticated blonde!

  Coffee: Clout Coffee Company

• Ferrari Blonde

  This variant is produced with a wonderful Kona coffee blend. Deep, rich coffee flavor captivates your senses and has you thinking about a walk on the beach. This is your dream date blonde!

  Coffee: Mark Ferrari Specialty Coffees

• Cultivated Blonde

  This well-read blonde has a spicy side. The coffee has a very intriguing spiciness to it. I need to learn more about the coffee because I am hooked on it!

  Coffee: Cultiva Coffee

• Milling About Blonde

  This is the shy blonde of the group. As you take that first sip you know there is coffee, but it doesn’t announce itself until the middle and finish. Very nice coffee flavor with a little edge that says I can be a little mysterious too!

  Coffee: The Mill Coffee & Tea

Thanks Happy Raven for hosting such a fun event!

If you can make it to Hastings, Nebraska to First Street Brewing, Jessi and Nathan Hoeft will greet you like family and I know you will have a wonderful time!

I will try to keep you posted when the different Popular Blondes are released and please follow First Street Brewing Company on social media for the latest.

Cheers!