BJCP 22B · Strong American Ale
American Strong Ale
A strong American ale, amber to dark copper, with caramel and toffee malt balanced by intense hops. Big, flavorful and warming.
American Strong Ale by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 6.3 – 10.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 50 – 100 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 7 – 18 SRM14–35 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.062 – 1.090on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.014 – 1.024on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What American Strong Ale is like
A strong, full-flavored ale in which rich caramel and toffee malt is balanced by generous American hops. It's a broad style that ranges from so-called imperial reds to maltier strong ales.
Appearance
Medium amber to dark copper or light brown, usually clear. Off-white to beige head, persistent.
Aroma
Moderate to strong hops, often citrusy, resinous or fruity, alongside caramel, toffee or toasted bread malt. There may be some dark fruit and soft alcohol.
Flavor
Medium to high malt with caramel, toffee and toasted bread, balanced by medium to high hop flavor and bitterness. The finish runs from off-dry to slightly sweet, with alcohol warmth.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full body, medium to high carbonation and noticeable but smooth alcohol warmth.
Where American Strong Ale comes from
It's a modern American craft style; Stone Arrogant Bastard, from 1997, is the best-known example. The BJCP uses it for strong beers that fit neither as a Double IPA nor as an American Barleywine.
Ingredients
Pale malt with a good share of caramel malts and some darker malt for color. American or New World hops and a clean American ale yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew American Strong Ale at home
Mash at 66–67 °C (151–153 °F) to keep the body and ferment at 18–19 °C (64–66 °F) with plenty of yeast. Balance the caramel malts with serious bitterness; if you fall short, it turns cloying. Give it a few weeks of cold conditioning before bottling.
Food pairing
Goes with game meats, smoked brisket or bold aged cheeses.
Glassware: tulip glass, it concentrates the aroma and holds the head.
Classic examples
- Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale
Frequently asked questions
How strong is American Strong Ale?
Between 6.3% and 10.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a very high strength.
How bitter is American Strong Ale?
It has 50 to 100 IBUs, a very high bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is American Strong Ale?
Amber to brown: 7 to 18 SRM (14 to 35 EBC).
What food pairs well with American Strong Ale?
Goes with game meats, smoked brisket or bold aged cheeses.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try American Barleywine, Red IPA and British Strong Ale.
If you like American Strong Ale, try these
Classification and statistics: official American Strong Ale guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.