Blonde

Nøgne Ø Porto Franco also known as Kos på Groos or Blonde was originally launched as bottle conditioned Kos på Groos as a festival beer for the Skral rock/pop festival in 2008. Spring 2009 it was re-launched as Blonde, tap only. For the Free Port Days in Kristiansand June 2009 it was sold bottle conditioned once more, this time with an extra addition of Cascade hops, under the name Porto Franco. Released on bottle as Blonde January 2011. Porto Franco is the same as Kos on Groos, but with a slightly different hops addition, cascade.

Here is what the label says; Beer has a long tradition at sea. In a diet with plenty of salt was beer a common thirst quencher. It was also better than water when the journey was long. A sailor's life was full of trials. Dirty waters, pirates, storms and still be able to make the journey long and dangerous. Diet on board then it could be a challenge. In the 1500s, the beer warmed up and added fire power when the crew needed a proper oppstiver! At this time it was common for 20 men shared a keg of beer. This represents about 6.5 gallons per man. Porto Franco and Nøgne recommend a far more moderate intake. A small glass of good beer can be enjoyed as an accompaniment to good friends a warm summer day.

Will start of by stating that this was the most easy-drinking and approachable that I have had to date from Nøgne Ø. A very malt-oriented American craft beer that is definitely a summer beer that needs to be cold and enjoyed with lots of sun. There was a tiny bit of sweetness from the pale malt with some hints of the cascade hops left in the form of citrusy aroma and taste. Similar in colour to the Wit beer, light yellow with a clear white head, very nice looking beer until once checked out the 2-3mm of yeast sediment stuck in the bottom of the bottle. Lots of biscuit, malt and bread in the flavour which was really nice, did also get some weetabix on the nose which was strange and there should only be barley in this brew? The cascade has obviously lots most of its aroma in this beer but did have a light citrus tone to it which helped make it more refreshing. And the verdict, yes I liked it a lot and am happy to have had the opportunity to get my hands on such a Limited Edition.