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
	Brøckhouse Juleøl Denmark	4	3.643
	Bush Ambrée (Scaldis) Belgium	37	3.643
	Gulden Draak The Brewmasters Edition Belgium	4	3.643
	De Molen Mooi & Meedogenloos Netherlands	4	3.643
	Unibroue Seigneuriale Canada	24	3.641
	Victory V-12 PA, United States	31	3.638
	Avery The Beast Grand Cru CO, United States	31	3.638
	Stone 04.04.04 Vertical Epic Ale CA, United States	30	3.636
	Nebraska Chardonnay French Oak Melange A Trois NE, United States	8	3.636
	Hoegaarden Forbidden Fruit Belgium	21	3.634
	Allagash Victor ME, United States	14	3.629
	Sierra Nevada Ovila Golden CA, United States	4	3.629
	DeuS (Brut Des Flandres) Belgium	25	3.625
	Goose Island Pere Jacques IL, United States	39	3.624
	Piraat 10.5% Belgium	74	3.617
	Troegs Mad Elf PA, United States	40	3.614
	Brooklyn Local 2 NY, United States	19	3.614
	Duysters Loterbol 8 Blond Belgium	6	3.611
	Trader Joe's Vintage Ale 2009 Canada	6	3.611
	Hoegaarden Julius Belgium	6	3.611