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
	Social Kitchen Rapscallion CA, United States	1	3.250
	t Smisje Halloween Belgium	2	3.240
	t Smisje Kuvee Elektrik 979W Belgium	2	3.240
	Sigtuna Holiday Booster 2009 Sweden	2	3.240
	New Ontario Weird Things Happen on the Wasi Canada	2	3.240
	Dugges Wallonia 2007 Sweden	2	3.240
	Saint Arnould L'Évêque Canada	2	3.240
	Mill Street Illuminari Canada	2	3.240
	Vicaris Winter 10° Belgium	2	3.240
	Det Lille Bryggeri Julebryg Denmark	2	3.240
	Gaverhopke Kerstbier Belgium	2	3.240
	The Bruery Provisions Series: Snicklefritz CA, United States	2	3.240
	Sierra Nevada Barrel Aged Two by Four CA, United States	2	3.240
	t Smisje BBBourgondier Belgium	13	3.237
	Tongerlo Christmas Belgium	3	3.234
	Jenlain D'Or France	3	3.234
	512 One TX, United States	3	3.234
	Reinaert Grand Cru Belgium	4	3.229
	Taps Belgian Strong Ale CA, United States	1	3.225
	Malheur MM Millennium 2000 Belgium	1	3.225