About Belgian Style Strong Ale

About Belgian Style Strong Ale
Belgian style strong ales range in color from medium to dark brown and in alcohol from 8-11%. These beers typically have a fruity Belgian yeast character and a degree of sweetness coupled with a viscous mouthfeel. This category also includes Belgian style quadruples. Better examples of this style strike a seamless balance between rich, sweet malt flavors, alcohol and complex Belgian yeast flavors ranging from banana to dark fruit. Noteworthy examples of this style include: Dogfish Head Raison D’Etre, Brouwerij Bosteels Pauwel Kwak, La Trappe Quadrupel and Brasserie Dubuisson Freres Scaldis.

Top Picks for Belgian Style Strong Ale

Westvleteren Trappist 12 Gold Cap
100 points
Extraordinarily well balanced with sweet complexity and mild spices; a colossally deep and delicious Trappist Ale with an endless cornucopia of dessert-like fruit and malt flavors to savor and delight in.
Penn Cove Brewing Co. Fireside Belgium Sour
85 points
A creative Sour with big roasty malt, zesty herbal tang and piles of complexity.
Awards: 2022 World Beer Championships Silver Medal - Best Belgian Style Strong Ale