89 Cascade Ale, Deschutes Brewery (OR). 4.5% ABV (2/09)
Brilliant pale amber color. Crème brûlée, dried mango and brioche aromas follow through on a smooth supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with poached pear and spiced nut notes. Finishes with a crisp, refreshing orange peel and tree bark hop accent. Very tasty.

88 Oregon Golden Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 5.2% ABV (2/07)
Brilliant pale amber color. Fruity, nutty, toffee, crème caramel and mild earthy aromas. A round entry leads to smooth light-to-medium body of citrus and caramelized nut flavors with a tangy citrus and reedy hop fade.

85 Split Rock Golden Ale, Flying Goose (NH). 3.78% ABV (2/07) %{Brewpub}
Lightly hazy amber color. Toasty malt, citrus and caramel aromas. A round frothy entry leads to a dryish medium-bodied palate with sweet citrus and buttery toast flavors. Finishes with a crisp, bittering hops fade. Very tasty.

84 Classic Gold, Etna Brewing Co. (CA). 5.3% ABV (2/07)
Pale amber color. Fresh mud, wet grain and clay aromas follow through to a dry medium body with mild tangy hops and moss on the finish. Simple and refreshing with tons of earthiness.

83 Monumental Blonde Golden Ale, Bastone Brewery (MI). 5% ABV (2/09) %{Brewpub}
Brilliant light golden color. Aromas of earthy carrot, turnip and wet grain husk follow through on a round entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with grilled apple and orange notes. Finishes with an astringency veggie, mossy and tin-accented fade.

82 Emerald Isle Blonde Ale, Govnor’s Public House (IL). 4.78% ABV (2/08) %{Brewpub}
Lightly hazy pale amber color with a nice head. Dried fruit, caramel and baguette aromas. A brisk, frothy entry leads to a tangy medium body of bitter orange and apricot marmalade on rye toast flavors with a sharp, somewhat vegetal finish.