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
	Green Flash Grand Cru (Grand Mantis) CA, United States	12	3.494
	Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van De Keizer Rood/Red Belgium	12	3.666
	Unibroue 17 Grande Reserve Canada	12	3.714
	Duvel Tripel Hop (2010-2011): Amarillo Belgium	12	3.760
	Clown Shoes Muffin Top MA, United States	12	3.666
	Holy Mackerel Special Golden Ale FL, United States	12	3.306
	Judas Belgium	12	3.500
	The Bruery 2 Turtle Doves CA, United States	12	3.720
	Val-Dieu Biere de Noel Belgium	12	3.566
	The Bruery Mischief CA, United States	12	3.694
	Silly La Divine Belgium	12	3.286
	Signature Ale Belgium	12	3.694
	Bie Zatte Bie Belgium	12	3.566
	Charles Quint (Keizer Karel) Belgium	11	3.664
	Casta Milenia Mexico	11	3.479
	Mikkeller Santas Little Helper 2007 Denmark	11	3.664
	Allagash Victoria Ale ME, United States	11	3.493
	Leffe Radieuse Belgium	11	3.571
	Slaapmutske Christmas (Christmas Nightcap) Belgium	11	3.450
	Stone 02.02.02 Vertical Epic Ale CA, United States	11	3.829