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
	Mille-Îles Blonde du Diable Sotol Canada	1	3.300
	Biere du Corsaire Belgium	5	3.300
	Heartland Belgian Style Grand Cru NY, United States	1	3.300
	Silly La Divine Belgium	11	3.300
	Heavyweight Lunicy NJ, United States	1	3.300
	Craftsman Aurora Borealis CA, United States	2	3.300
	Great Divide Belgica CO, United States	13	3.294
	New Glarus R & D Series Golden Ale WI, United States	8	3.291
	Lucifer (Vintages 2009 and After) Belgium	6	3.289
	Palm Royale Belgium	4	3.286
	Nøgne Ø Imperial Dunkel Wit Norway	4	3.286
	La Rulles Blonde Belgium	4	3.286
	Nøgne Ø God Påske 2008 Norway	3	3.284
	Poiluchette Blonde Cuvee du Chateau Belgium	3	3.284
	Stillwater As Follows MD, United States	3	3.284
	Christmas Goliath (8%) Belgium	3	3.284
	Amager Julebryg 2007 Denmark	3	3.284
	t Smisje Calva Reserva Belgium	8	3.282
	Allagash James Bean ME, United States	2	3.280
	Max Demon d'Or GA, United States	2	3.280