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
	Rock Art The Riddler VT, United States	2	3.220
	La Rulles La Grande 10 Belgium	2	3.200
	Voodoo Gran Met PA, United States	2	2.920
	Baladin Noël Chocolat Italy	2	3.200
	La Bière du Boucanier Christmas Belgium	2	2.800
	Gaverhopke Kerstbier Belgium	2	3.240
	Sierra Nevada Barrel Aged Two by Four CA, United States	2	3.240
	Saint-Monon Spéciale Noël Belgium	2	3.280
	Brooklyn Cuvée Noire NY, United States	2	3.440
	Boelens Kerstbier (Santa-Bee) Belgium	2	3.040
	Sint Canarus Tripel Belgium	2	3.140
	Allagash Sixteen Counties ME, United States	2	3.360
	Allagash Pastiche ME, United States	2	3.280
	Ølfabrikken Hvid Jul Denmark	2	3.040
	Max Demon d'Or GA, United States	2	3.280
	Tooth And Nail Truce Canada	2	3.160
	Nieuwhuys Alpaide Belgium	2	2.980
	Gruut Inferno Belgium	2	3.280
	Les 3 Fourquets Lupulus Ambrée Belgium	2	3.180
	La Barberie Blonde aux Chardonnay Canada	2	3.320