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
	Hoegaarden Grand Cru Belgium	19	3.709
	Urthel Hop-It Belgium	41	3.707
	Green Flash Le Freak Belgian Style IPA CA, United States	29	3.706
	La Caracole Saxo Belgium	19	3.705
	La Moneuse Belgium	9	3.700
	Mikkeller Santas Little Helper 2008 Denmark	6	3.700
	5 Seasons North Synesthaesia GA, United States	2	3.700
	Signature Ale Belgium	12	3.694
	The Bruery Mischief CA, United States	12	3.694
	Trader Joe's Vintage Ale 2005 Canada	9	3.692
	Duysters Loterbol Bruin Belgium	8	3.691
	Avery Collaboration not Litigation Ale CO, United States	28	3.690
	Mikkeller Nelson Sauvignon Denmark	5	3.688
	Nebraska Chardonnay French Oak Hop God NE, United States	3	3.684
	North Coast Brother Thelonious CA, United States	53	3.682
	Malheur Bière Brut Reserve Belgium	13	3.681
	Valley Brew Decadence Grand Cru CA, United States	2	3.680
	Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza MI, United States	17	3.680
	Abbaye des Rocs Speciale Noel Belgium	10	3.677
	Grimbergen Optimo Bruno Belgium	10	3.677