Finch Big Pond 6Pk

Finch Big Pond 6Pk is a sessionable blonde ale from Chicago's Finch Beer Co., sold in a 6-pack at 5% ABV and 20 IBU. Brewed with Mandarina hops and Lake Michigan water, this straw-gold ale delivers a balanced, easy-drinking profile that has earned an 83 on BeerAdvocate.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  IBU: 20  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Blonde Ale  |  Brewery: Finch Beer Co.

Production & Heritage

Finch Beer Co. (Finch's Beer Company, LLC) established its reputation in Chicago's competitive craft beer scene. Big Pond is brewed with Mandarina hops — a German variety known for its citrus-forward character — and uses fresh Lake Michigan water as a foundational ingredient. The result is a highly sessionable blonde ale built for drinkability rather than complexity, with a clean grain base that lets the hop character come through without overwhelming the palate.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A balanced interplay of malt sweetness and gentle hop character greets the nose. Subtle floral and citrus notes emerge, with no single element dominating.

Taste: The entry is smooth with light caramel malt sweetness that quickly gives way to citrus and earthy hop flavors at mid-palate. The body stays light and clean, making each sip feel refreshing and uncomplicated.

Finish: Crisp and dry with a quick, satisfying close. A faint earthy bitterness lingers briefly before the palate resets.

How to Drink Big Pond

Big Pond is best served cold — around 40–45°F — straight from the bottle or poured into a pint glass to appreciate its straw-blond color and delicate head. Its mild bitterness and clean finish also make it a versatile base for beer cocktails: try it in a Shandy with fresh lemonade for warm-weather sessions, a Michelada where its crisp body pairs well with lime and hot sauce, or a Beergarita blended with a light margarita mix for a laid-back twist.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings where easy-drinking beer is essential
• Introducing craft-curious friends to blonde ales without hop intimidation
• Stocking a cooler for game day with a sessionable option everyone can enjoy
• Pairing with lighter meals when heavier IPAs or stouts feel like too much

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Big Pond taste like? Big Pond is a smooth, light-bodied blonde ale with caramel malt sweetness up front, followed by citrus and floral hop notes and a dry, earthy finish.

How does Big Pond compare to other blonde ales? At 5% ABV and 20 IBU, Big Pond sits squarely in the approachable end of the blonde ale spectrum — lighter in bitterness and body than many craft blondes, with a focus on clean drinkability over bold hop character.

Is Big Pond good for beginners? Big Pond is an excellent entry point for anyone new to craft beer, as its low bitterness, mild flavor profile, and sessionable ABV make it approachable without sacrificing character.

Where is Big Pond made? Big Pond is brewed by Finch Beer Co. (Finch's Beer Company, LLC), a craft brewery based in Chicago, Illinois that uses Lake Michigan water in its brewing process.

What foods pair well with Big Pond? Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement its citrus hop notes; a classic Caesar salad matches its dry finish; mild cheeses like Havarti mirror its smooth body; and lighter charcuterie boards benefit from its crisp, palate-cleansing character.

What sizes does Big Pond come in? Big Pond is commonly available in a 6-pack of 12 oz cans or bottles.

Is Big Pond worth the price? Big Pond positions as an accessible, everyday craft blonde ale — priced within the entry-level craft tier, it delivers solid quality and sessionability that justifies repeat purchases.

Why Big Pond?

In a market flooded with aggressively hopped IPAs and heavy stouts, Big Pond fills a specific role: a well-made, uncomplicated blonde ale that prioritizes drinkability. The use of Mandarina hops gives it just enough citrus personality to stand apart from generic light lagers without alienating drinkers who prefer restraint. Its 5% ABV makes it genuinely sessionable — a claim many craft beers make but few deliver on. For anyone looking for a reliable Chicago-brewed blonde ale that performs equally well at a cookout or alongside a weeknight dinner, Big Pond earns its spot in the rotation.