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
	Trader Joe's Vintage Ale 2005 Canada	9	3.692
	BFM Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien 2004 Switzerland	9	3.517
	Samuel Adams Long Shot Friar Hop Ale MA, United States	9	3.509
	New Belgium Lips of Faith Super Cru CO, United States	9	3.483
	La Moneuse Belgium	9	3.700
	Allagash 10th Anniversary Ale ME, United States	9	3.492
	t Smisje Kerst Belgium	9	3.458
	Legacy Euphoria PA, United States	9	3.033
	t IJ Turbock Netherlands	9	3.717
	Hertog Jan Grand Prestige Netherlands	9	3.509
	St. Feuillien Grand Cru Belgium	9	3.492
	Ellezelloise Quintine Amber Belgium	9	3.367
	De Dolle Dulle Teve Special Reserva Belgium	9	3.809
	Ale Asylum Mercy Belgian Grand Cru WI, United States	9	3.850
	Leffe Vieille Cuvee Belgium	9	3.767
	dEcaussinnes Ultra Brune Belgium	9	3.567
	Piraat 9% Belgium	8	3.319
	t Smisje Calva Reserva Belgium	8	3.282
	Dupont Cervesia Archéosite Aubechies-Blicquy Belgium	8	3.391
	Hertog Jan Karakter Netherlands	8	3.145