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
	Piraat 9% Belgium	8	3.319
	Ellezelloise Quintine Blonde Belgium	9	3.317
	Schlafly Belgian-style Grand Cru MO, United States	3	3.317
	Fantome Magic Ghost Belgium	3	3.317
	De Leite Cuvée Mam'Zelle Belgium	3	3.317
	John Harvards Enigma Grand Cru MA, United States	3	3.317
	De Graal Gember Belgium	3	3.317
	Touken Philomenn Tourbée France	3	3.317
	Potteloereke Belgium	4	3.314
	Karthuizer Ipso Facto Netherlands	6	3.311
	Sterkens St. Sebastiaan Golden Belgium	18	3.309
	Hopstix Golden Rule GA, United States	1	3.300
	’t Hofbrouwerijke Blondelle Belgium	2	3.300
	Holy City Brewing Laser Pants SC, United States	1	3.300
	Klein Duimpje Kerstbier Netherlands	3	3.300
	Victory Merry Monkey PA, United States	2	3.300
	Baladin Elixir Italy	2	3.300
	5 Seasons Quint-Apple Calvados Barrel-Aged GA, United States	1	3.300
	The Bruery 9 Ladies Dancing CA, United States	1	3.300
	Titletown Batch 1000 Grand Cru WI, United States	1	3.300