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
	Scheldebrouwerij Hansje Drinker Belgium	2	3.280
	Casta Castana Mexico	2	3.400
	General Lafayette Emperors New Clothes PA, United States	2	3.160
	Brune De Neuch Switzerland	2	3.180
	Victory V-1009 PA, United States	2	3.120
	Zwijntje Belgium	2	2.940
	Raasted Juleøl Denmark	2	3.260
	Caulier Bon Secours Ambrée Belgium	2	3.340
	La Choulette Brune France	2	3.360
	De Dolle Snoek Belgium	2	3.340
	Rock Art Infusco VT, United States	2	3.220
	De Graal Speciale Belgium	2	3.080
	t Smisje Cuvee 2005 Belgium	2	3.320
	Keizersberg Belgium	2	3.260
	La Ramee Blond Belgium	2	3.180
	Bièropholie Délice des Moines Canada	2	3.100
	Oggi's Sanctuary CA, United States	2	3.360
	Kwelchouffe Belgium	2	3.320
	Sinpalsken Donker Belgium	2	3.180
	Avery Oak Barrel Salvation CO, United States	2	3.360