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
	Le Trou du Diable La Grivoise de Noël Canada	4	3.457
	Dormaal Wit Goud Belgium	4	3.257
	Le Cheval Blanc Snoreau Canada	4	3.129
	Terrapin Midnight Monk GA, United States	4	3.657
	dEcaussinnes Ultra Delice Belgium	4	3.157
	Gulden Draak The Brewmasters Edition Belgium	4	3.643
	Achilles Serafijn Donker Belgium	4	3.400
	La Ramee Amber Belgium	4	3.329
	Saint-Monon Bière au Miel (Honing) Belgium	4	3.443
	Victory V-10 PA, United States	4	3.657
	Bie Kerstbier Belgium	4	3.471
	Trader Joe's Vintage Ale 2012 Canada	4	3.386
	Trader Joe's Providential Belgian Style Golden Ale Canada	4	3.329
	The Commons Bourbon Little Brother OR, United States	4	3.557
	Sierra Nevada Ovila Golden CA, United States	4	3.629
	Sainte Helene Lily Blue Belgium	4	3.186
	Trader Joe's Vintage Ale 2011 Canada	4	3.214
	Schoune La Trip des Schoune Canada	4	3.329
	Smuttynose Homunculus NH, United States	4	3.557
	Brøckhouse Juleøl Denmark	4	3.643