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
	Vapeur dAntan Belgium	4	3.371
	Reinaert Grand Cru Belgium	4	3.229
	Potteloereke Belgium	4	3.314
	De Molen Mooi & Meedogenloos Netherlands	4	3.643
	Ename Cuvee 974 Belgium	4	3.186
	Victory V-10 PA, United States	4	3.657
	Gulden Draak The Brewmasters Edition Belgium	4	3.643
	La Rulles Blonde Belgium	4	3.286
	Palm Royale Belgium	4	3.286
	Trader Joe's Vintage Ale 2011 Canada	4	3.214
	Klein Duimpje Erik de Noorman Netherlands	4	3.200
	Midnight Sun Conspiracy AK, United States	4	3.400
	Bloemen Bier Belgium	4	3.257
	Struise / Stillwater Outblack Belgium	4	3.343
	Achilles Serafijn Christmas Angel Belgium	4	3.114
	Trader Joe's Vintage Ale 2012 Canada	4	3.386
	Le Cheval Blanc Snoreau Canada	4	3.129
	Breughel Grand Cru Canada	4	3.014
	Double Enghien Brune Belgium	4	3.457
	Montegioco Birra Artigianale Draco Italy	4	3.329