TailGate began brewing beers in 2007. They began putting their beer in cans earlier this year and are devoted to making beers that are, well, great for tailgating. TailGate is surprisingly the first San Diego-based brewery to put their beer in cans. Currently their beers are available in Southern California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and parts of Wisconsin, with distribution coming to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh by next week and the rest of Pennsylvania and Northern California by next month.

From the TailGate site:

"Blacktop Blonde is our homage to you, the tailgater. It is our way to say, “We see you out there on the blacktop and we know you’re thirsty.” This is why you deserve a 100% natural craft beer brewed with the same stuff cavemen used thousands of years ago. Named with the help of “Jay the Tailgate Guy,” this is an American blonde ale that stays true to form. Bold use of magnum and cascade hops create a soft, subtle spice that sets this easy drinker apart from the rest. Beautiful golden malts complete this light colored, easy drinking ale. Crack one of these beauties wherever you are, and in the immortal words of Jay the Tailgate Guy, “Grill on.”"

Here we go...

Pour - very clean and clear. Color is that of light straw or light golden. The head is a good inch of stark-white fluff resting on top. Not a bad looking beer coming out of the can.

Aroma - reminds me a bit of corn syrup at first. Very sweet, malty and grainy. Not a whole lot else going on in this department.

Taste - slightly sweet up front with some citrus and tropical fruit notes that I wasn't quite expecting. The grainy sweetness follows and this is rounded smoothly and lightly on the tongue. A very subtle tasting beer, not a whole lot of "oomph" in any direction. This has a slight twang of spice in the background but nothing that will jump out at you. Really it's just a solid American blonde ale in a can. No frills but decent nonetheless.

Overall - very, very drinkable. If you want a 12-pack option to bring tailgating and that you're diverse group of beer-drinking friends will all enjoy this just may be it. Refreshing, easy to drink and super easy on the palate. 

Would I buy more of it? - if I was looking for an easy drinking blonde ale and this was available I'd quite likely pick it up. The price point is low and its a solid brew.

Note - TailGate Beer is also releasing their Hefeweizen in cans now. They plan on releasing two cans a year and word is that they're planning something hoppy for next year.