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
	Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van De Keizer Blauw/Blue Belgium	48	4.096
	N'ice Chouffe Belgium	47	3.804
	AleSmith Horny Devil CA, United States	46	3.817
	Abbaye des Rocs Brune Belgium	46	4.290
	Achel Blond 8 Belgium	45	3.833
	La Caracole Nostradamus Belgium	45	3.579
	Avery Salvation CO, United States	44	3.493
	Brooklyn Local 1 NY, United States	43	3.776
	De Dolle Oerbier Belgium	42	3.885
	Achel Bruin 8 Belgium	41	3.882
	Urthel Hop-It Belgium	41	3.707
	Goose Island Pere Jacques IL, United States	41	3.634
	Bush de Noel (Scaldis Noel) Belgium	41	3.848
	Troegs Mad Elf PA, United States	40	3.614
	Russian River Damnation CA, United States	40	3.733
	AleSmith Grand Cru CA, United States	39	3.950
	St. Bernardus Christmas Ale Belgium	39	3.895
	Struise Pannepot Belgium	39	4.093
	Stone 07.07.07 Vertical Epic Ale CA, United States	38	3.556
	Kasteel Bruin Belgium	37	3.803