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
	Ciney Speciale Belgium	2	3.200
	Baggårdsbryggeriet Belgo No. 03 Denmark	2	3.060
	Julemandens Trøst Belgium	2	3.320
	Rock Bottom Johnny Rebels Earthquake Ale CO, United States	2	3.280
	McKenzie Grand Cru PA, United States	2	3.260
	Brewers Art St. Festivus MD, United States	2	3.340
	Artisans Brasseurs Aldegonde Ambrée Belgium	2	3.520
	Postel Blond Belgium	2	3.020
	Multi-Brasses La Pentecôte Blonde Canada	2	2.900
	Straffe Bink Belgium	2	3.320
	Brootcoorens La Sambresse Blonde Belgium	2	3.160
	Gordon Finest Platinum Belgium	2	2.540
	Ølfabrikken Nytår 2007 Denmark	2	3.160
	Spinnakers Fog Fighter Canada	2	3.120
	Herslev Stjerne Bryg Denmark	2	3.320
	Henderson Brewing / Rush 40th Anniversary Ale (Signals) Canada	2	3.320
	Artisans Brasseurs la Namuroise Ambree Belgium	2	3.280
	Iron Hill Grand Cru DE, United States	2	3.020
	Fantome Flop! Belgium	2	3.160
	t Smisje Halloween Belgium	2	3.240