The Belgian ale category captures the regular, every day, yet distinctive ales characteristic of Belgium. These ales are the most "drinkable" of the Belgian styles (analogous to the range of ales between pale, amber, and brown of England or the U.S.) and are characterized by good balance and a relatively low alcohol content of less than 6%. The pale varieties often feature fruity, spicey, yeasty, and light malt aromas and flavors with light to medium bodies and a noticeable to prominently hopped finish. The dark varieties generally reveal more malty character, some darker fruits, along with a lower hop presence. Belgian ales can range in color from pale golden to a rich amber for the pale versions, and from amber to brown-red for the dark versions. These beers can pour with huge heads, generally lace the glass well, and leave behind yeast sedimentation in the bottles from which they are poured.
