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VAT's the problem

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A traditional blonde ale, softly spicy and floral, brewed from extra pale and wheat malts with legacy English hops. It is a campaign beer at a low 4.2%, made from farm to glass with British ingredients, in support of a petition to cut tax by half and to back British farmers, brewers and hospitality.

ABV
4.2%
Bitterness
Mild
Herbal, floral bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
wheatfloralnoble hop
wheat
floral
noble hop
malty
spicy
clean
Aroma
Soft floral notes from traditional English hops lead the nose, accompanied by subtle spice and a gentle warmth from the wheat malt.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for VAT's the problem

◎ Appearance

A pale golden hue with bright clarity and fine carbonation. The head forms quickly and lingers with good retention, leaving delicate lacing on the glass as it subsides.

pale goldbright and clearfine carbonationpersistent lace

◌ Aroma

Soft floral notes from traditional English hops lead the nose, accompanied by subtle spice and a gentle warmth from the wheat malt. The aromatic profile remains delicate and balanced, with no aggressive hop character despite the heritage varieties used.

floral English hopssoft spicewheat malt sweetnessrestrained and elegant

◐ Taste

The palate opens with a clean, slightly sweet malt base from the extra pale and wheat malts, followed by gentle spice and floral notes that echo the aroma. Bitterness is minimal at 15 IBU, allowing the malt character to dominate without becoming cloying.

soft malt sweetnesssubtle spicelow bitternessclean entry

◑ Finish

A short to medium finish with a lingering malt sweetness and a whisper of herbal spice. The aftertaste remains crisp and unobtrusive, typical of a sessionable ale.

malt-driven aftertastecrisp and dry
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
78
Taste
78
Appearance
80
Finish
76
Serve at 7–10°C

Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with VAT's the problem

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About Blonde Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Blonde Ale?

Blonde Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Blonde Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same wheat, floral, noble-hop character as VAT's the problem will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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