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
	The Bruery 5 Golden Rings CA, United States	6	3.667
	Chimay 150 Spéciale Cent Cinquante (Green) Belgium	6	3.467
	Holy Mackerel Panic Attack FL, United States	6	3.500
	Lucifer (Vintages 2009 and After) Belgium	6	3.289
	Kasteelbier Cuvée du Chateau Belgium	6	3.767
	Sterkens Bokrijks Kruikenbier Belgium	6	3.422
	Ommegang Art of Darkness NY, United States	6	3.667
	Regal Christmas Belgium	6	3.433
	Val-Dieu Winter Belgium	6	3.733
	Hertog Jan Karakter Netherlands	6	3.122
	Eisenbahn Lust Brazil	5	3.338
	La Binchoise Biere Des Ours Belgium	5	3.438
	La Caracole Saxo Bio Belgium	5	3.338
	De Hemel Nieuw Ligt Grand Cru Netherlands	5	3.413
	Atomium Premier Grand Cru Belgium	5	3.538
	Brewers Art Canard MD, United States	5	3.513
	Verhaeghe Noel Belgium	5	3.100
	Kasteel Winter Belgium	5	3.525
	Duvel Groen Belgium	5	3.138
	Alvinne Gaspar Belgium	5	3.175