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
	Whiprsnapr Unlfiltrd Beermas 2022 #5 - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Canada	1	3.150
	Verhaeghe Barbe Noël 10% (2017 - ) Belgium	1	3.150
	Brix Santa Baby Norway	1	3.150
	SKA True Blonde Dubbel CO, United States	10	3.146
	Millevertus Saint-Denis Belgium	2	3.140
	Sint Canarus Tripel Belgium	2	3.140
	La Merveilleuse de Chèvremont Belgium	2	3.140
	Titletown Midas Well WI, United States	2	3.140
	Pfriem Belgian Strong Dark OR, United States	2	3.140
	Brasserie du Bas-Canada Le Grand Condor Canada	2	3.140
	Muskoka / Het Nest Brouwerij Greetings From Belgium Canada	2	3.140
	Duvel Groen Belgium	5	3.138
	Halve Maan Grof Geschut Netherlands	3	3.134
	Saint Somewhere Pays du Soleil FL, United States	3	3.134
	Le Cheval Blanc Snoreau Canada	4	3.129
	La Caracole Cuvee Belgium	1	3.125
	Le Cheval Blanc Titanic Canada	1	3.125
	New Belgium A.J. Winter Ale CO, United States	1	3.125
	Russian River Desperation CA, United States	1	3.125
	Nen Bangelijke Belgium	1	3.125