Belgian Strong Ale

Like regular Belgian ales, the Belgian strong ales also can range in color from pale to dark varieties. Regardless of the color, however, the Belgian strong ales are significantly stronger in alcohol content (7% and higher) and more complex than their weaker counterparts, although the good examples are not harsh. Flavors for the pale colored varieites include earthy, yeasty, fruity, peppery, sweet, and spicey attributes, while the dark colored varieties include caramel, bready, dark fruits (figs, prunes, raisins, plums), sweet, and spicey character. Belgian strong ales are also normally fermented with an addition of candi sugar. The resulting mouthfeel is typically moderate, often deceivingly lighter than their malt and alcohol content would suggest, due to the added candi sugar and high carbonation levels. The pale and golden varieties of Belgian strong ales normally differ from abbey tripels (which could be considered a subcategory of golden Belgian strong ales) in their lower bittering levels than the tripels, while the dark strong ales differ from dubbels in their malt and alcohol levels, but often overlap with the Abbey Quadrupels on both malt and alcohol levels (Abbey Quadrupels could be considered a subcategory of dark Belgian strong ales).

	Beer | Location	Reviews	Score
	Gordon Finest Gold Belgium	7	3.200
	Allagash 11th Anniversary Ale ME, United States	7	3.580
	Van Twee Belgium	7	3.920
	Epic Smoked & Oaked Belgian Strong Ale UT, United States	6	3.389
	Kasteelbier Cuvée du Chateau Belgium	6	3.767
	Schlafly Grand Cru MO, United States	6	3.489
	Lucifer (Vintages 2009 and After) Belgium	6	3.289
	Hertog Jan Karakter Netherlands	6	3.122
	Holy Mackerel Panic Attack FL, United States	6	3.500
	Ommegang Art of Darkness NY, United States	6	3.667
	New Belgium Lips of Faith Belgian Style Blond Ale CO, United States	6	3.122
	Chimay 150 Spéciale Cent Cinquante (Green) Belgium	6	3.467
	Mikkeller US Alive! Denmark	6	3.445
	The Bruery 5 Golden Rings CA, United States	6	3.667
	Boelens Biekin Belgium	6	3.378
	Regal Christmas Belgium	6	3.433
	Dogwood Winter Ale 2001 GA, United States	6	3.445
	Grimbergen Cuvee de lErmitage Belgium	6	3.367
	Hoegaarden Julius Belgium	6	3.611
	New Belgium Lips of Faith Paardebloem CO, United States	6	3.400