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
	Abbaye des Rocs La Montagnarde (Ambree) Belgium	18	3.676
	Bell's Hell Hath No Fury MI, United States	30	3.675
	De Dolle Lichtervelds Blond Belgium	5	3.675
	Delirium Tremens Belgium	96	3.673
	Sterkens St. Sebastiaan Grand Reserve Belgium	14	3.670
	Mikkeller Santas Little Helper 2007 Denmark	10	3.669
	The Bruery 5 Golden Rings CA, United States	6	3.667
	Ommegang Art of Darkness NY, United States	6	3.667
	Lost Abbey 2008 Sinners CA, United States	3	3.667
	Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van De Keizer Rood/Red Belgium	12	3.666
	Charles Quint (Keizer Karel) Belgium	11	3.664
	Stone 05.05.05 Vertical Epic Ale CA, United States	25	3.657
	De Dochter van de Korenaar Embrasse Belgium	4	3.657
	Terrapin Midnight Monk GA, United States	4	3.657
	Victory V-10 PA, United States	4	3.657
	Kerkom Winterkoninkske Belgium	17	3.655
	Baladin Super Baladin Italy	8	3.655
	Delirium Nocturnum Belgium	87	3.653
	Glazen Toren Cuvée Angélique Belgium	7	3.650
	Clown Shoes Muffin Top MA, United States	10	3.646