Common People Brewing Belgian Blonde Ale

Description

For two years now, Lord Byron have been sending some empty barrels into the Northern Rivers hinterland to their mates at Common People Brewing Co (in Bangalow). These still dripping barrels have then been filled with a Belgian Blonde Ale to soak up the rummy goodness for ten whole months!

A Belgian Blonde Ale (in case you’re wondering) is bright, golden, and dangerously smashable – crisp pilsner malt, spicy Belgian yeast, a flicker of soft fruit, and a dry, clean finish that hides its punch. Light on the palate, big on charm, it’s the kind of beer that looks innocent and drinks effortless, but absolutely knows how to make an entrance. In the case of the Barrel Aged Billycart Blonde – it’s an ale that’s not to be taken lightly – weighing in at a hulking 10.3%abv!

At 3.6 standard drinks per can – BEWARE! – this ale will frikkin’ have’ya if not handled with care!

Our Tasting Notes

Look, I’m no beer expert by any stretch. I’m not a fan of lagers or bitters to be honest – but this Belgian Blonde Ale is an altogether different beast. It’s creamy, fruity and not as dry as the aforementioned. An ale has more residual sugar left after the ferment than lagers resulting typically in a sweeter beer (and this does sit on the sweet side), which makes it much more enjoyable to this spirit drinker.

From Common People Brewing Co.

We have been getting very creative and collaborative again down at the brewery with our regular autumn Belgian Blonde. For the second year running we have teamed up with Lord Byron Distillery to get some of our Billycart Blonde into some of their rum barrels.

Now, just as this year’s Bangalow Billycart Derby is about to kick off, we have released the 2026 version of this very special beer. This is an extremely limited release and won’t last long!

Over the past 10 months our Belgian Billycart Blonde has been residing in ex-rum barrels from our friends at the Lord Byron Distillery, creating an otherworldly beer for the senses.

When the brewers put their collective noses together, closed their eyes and inhaled the sweet aroma… mmmmmm..

Then tasted the nectar… yes, it’s all there…

The silky smooth vanilla and oak notes imparted by the barrels. The characteristic rum flavour. The phenolic and spice from the Belgian Blonde beer. And the warming heat from the higher alcohols. All working in perfect balance.

About Common People Brewing Co.

Common People Brewing Co. are situated in the lovely town of Bangalow in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. The people behind this new craft brewery are family and friends. They’re Common People. The majority of them were born and raised in the Northern Rivers region. After exploring the world and finding life partners, they each found their way back to their roots.
Common People has a core range of crafty and sessional beers that are always on offer, including an IPA, a Pale Ale, a White Ale, a Hazy IPA, a Lager and a Stout. They also get super crafty with Seasonable brews which hang around for a few months, and always have something new for you to try with their limited-edition Special Batch Brews.

CPB Co. have engaged Northern Rivers suppliers and builders throughout every phase of the brewery build. They work with nearby farmers and producers to facilitate circular business practices, such as donating spent grain to feed livestock.