Beer Styles  »  Belgian Dark Strong Ale

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ABV: 8 - 11%    IBUs: 20 - 35    SRM: 12 - 22    OG: 1.075 - 1.110    FG: 1.010 - 1.024

A dark, very rich, complex, very strong Belgian ale. Complex, rich, smooth and dangerous.

Complex, with a rich malty sweetness, significant esters and alcohol, and an optional light to moderate spiciness. The malt is rich and strong, and can have a Munich-type quality often with a caramel, toast and/or bready aroma. The fruity esters are strong to moderately low, and can contain raisin, plum, dried cherry, fig or prune notes. Spicy phenols may be present, but usually have a peppery quality not clovelike. Alcohols are soft, spicy, perfumy and/or rose-like, and are low to moderate in intensity. Hops are not usually present (but a very low noble hop aroma is acceptable). No diacetyl. No dark/roast malt aroma. No hot alcohols or solventy aromas. No recognizable spice additions.
Deep amber to deep coppery-brown in color ("dark" in this context implies "more deeply colored than golden"). Huge, dense, moussy, persistent cream- to light tancolored head. Can be clear to somewhat hazy.
Similar to aroma (same malt, ester, phenol, alcohol, hop and spice comments apply to flavor as well). Moderately malty or sweet on palate. Finish is variable depending on interpretation (authentic Trappist versions are moderately dry to dry, Abbey versions can be medium-dry to sweet). Low bitterness for a beer of this strength; alcohol provides some of the balance to the malt. Sweeter and more full-bodied beers will have a higher bitterness level to balance. Almost all versions are malty in the balance, although a few are lightly bitter. The complex and varied flavors should blend smoothly and harmoniously.
High carbonation but no carbonic acid "bite." Smooth but noticeable alcohol warmth. Body can be variable depending on interpretation (authentic Trappist versions tend to be medium-light to medium, while Abbey-style beers can be quite full and creamy).
Most versions are unique in character reflecting characteristics of individual breweries.
Authentic Trappist versions tend to be drier (Belgians would say "more digestible") than Abbey versions, which can be rather sweet and full-bodied. Higher bitterness is allowable in Abbey-style beers with a higher FG. Barleywine-type beers (e.g., Scaldis/Bush, La Trappe Quadrupel, Weyerbacher QUAD) and Spiced/Christmas-type beers (e.g., N'ice Chouffe, Affligem Nöel) should be entered in the Belgian Specialty Ale category (16E), not this category. Traditionally bottle-conditioned ("refermented in the bottle").
Belgian yeast strains prone to production of higher alcohols, esters, and sometimes phenolics are commonly used. Water can be soft to hard. Impression of a complex grain bill, although many traditional versions are quite simple, with caramelized sugar syrup or unrefined sugars and yeast providing much of the complexity. Homebrewers may use Belgian Pils or pale base malt, Munich-type malts for maltiness, other Belgian specialty grains for character. Caramelized sugar syrup or unrefined sugars lightens body and adds color and flavor (particularly if dark sugars are used). Noble-type, English-type or Styrian Goldings hops commonly used. Spices generally not used; if used, keep subtle and in the background. Avoid US/UK crystal type malts (these provide the wrong type of sweetness).

		Beer Name	Brewery	ABV	IBUs
	(0)	Abbey Grand Cru	New Belgium Brewing Co.	9.5%	20
	(1)	Thirteenth Hour	Boston Beer Co. / Samuel Adams	9%	---
	(0)	Temerity Fort (Barrel-Aged)	7venth / Seventh Sun Brewing Co.	9.4%	---
	(1)	The Sixth Glass	Boulevard Brewing Co.	10.5%	22
	(0)	Extra High (XH)	Kiuchi Brewery	8.0%	44
	(0)	't Smisje BBBourgondier	Smisje Brouwerij	12%	---
	(0)	Noire de Chambly	Unibroue	6.2%	21
	(0)	't Smisje Kerst	Smisje Brouwerij	11%	---
	(0)	't Smisje Calva Reserva	Smisje Brouwerij	12%	---
	(0)	Leffe Rossa	Abbaye de Leffe S.A.	6.6%	---
	(0)	Cuvée Noire	Brooklyn Brewery	8.7%	---
	(0)	Pannepot - Old Monk's Ale	De Struise Brouwers	10%	---
	(0)	The Dark Side	Terrapin Beer	8.5%	---
	(0)	Rejection	Russian River Brewing Co.	6.1%	---
	(1)	Maudite	Unibroue	8%	22
	(0)	Don de Dieu	Unibroue	9%	10.5
	(1)	St. EADman Belgian Dark Ale	Flying Dog Brewing Co.	10%	---
	(0)	Choc Belgian-Style Quad	Choc Brewing Co.	11%	---
	(1)	Vertical Epic 12.12.12	Stone Brewing Co.	9%	---
	(0)	Gravitation	Smuttynose Brewing Co.	12%	---