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
	Leffe Vieille Cuvee Belgium	9	3.767
	Kasteelbier Cuvée du Chateau Belgium	6	3.767
	La Binchoise Speciale Noel Belgium	20	3.765
	Southampton Grand Cru Strong Ale NY, United States	20	3.761
	Duvel Tripel Hop (2010-2011): Amarillo Belgium	12	3.760
	Hapkin Belgium	14	3.758
	Allagash Confluence Ale ME, United States	10	3.754
	Val-Dieu Grand Cru Belgium	13	3.743
	Mikkeller It's Alive Denmark	16	3.742
	Stone 03.03.03 Vertical Epic Ale CA, United States	21	3.742
	De Dolle Stille Nacht Special Reserva 2005 Belgium	8	3.737
	Russian River Damnation CA, United States	36	3.736
	Val-Dieu Winter Belgium	6	3.733
	Lost Abbey Ten Commandments CA, United States	14	3.730
	Gouden Carolus Classic Belgium	36	3.726
	Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Wild Ale CA, United States	24	3.723
	The Bruery 2 Turtle Doves CA, United States	12	3.720
	De Dolle Arabier Belgium	30	3.718
	t IJ Turbock Netherlands	9	3.717
	Unibroue 17 Grande Reserve Canada	12	3.714