BJCP 25C · Strong Belgian Ale
Belgian Golden Strong Ale
A very pale, strong golden Belgian ale, very dry and effervescent, with pear-like fruit and soft spice that hide its alcohol.
Belgian Golden Strong Ale by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 7.5 – 10.5%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 22 – 35 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 3 – 6 SRM6–12 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.070 – 1.095on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.005 – 1.016on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Belgian Golden Strong Ale is like
A very pale, complex, highly carbonated Belgian ale with high alcohol that's well hidden. It's dry, with fruit and spice from the yeast and bitterness that supports without taking over. Its lightness on the palate contrasts with its strength.
Appearance
Yellow to medium gold, brilliantly clear. Huge white head with fine bubbles, very persistent.
Aroma
Fruity esters of pear, apple and citrus, soft spicy phenols and spicy or floral hops. Very light malt and some perfumy alcohol.
Flavor
Fruit and spice over light grainy malt, with medium bitterness and a very dry finish. The alcohol shows as warmth but shouldn't be strong or solventy.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium body, very highly carbonated and effervescent. Soft alcohol warmth.
Where Belgian Golden Strong Ale comes from
Its origin is Duvel from the Moortgat brewery, which after World War I was a dark ale and in the 1970s switched to the golden version known today. Its success led many Belgian breweries to create their own golden strong ale, often with names that allude to the devil.
Ingredients
Pilsner malt with a good share of white sugar to lighten it. European hops like Saaz or Styrian Goldings. A fruity Belgian yeast and soft water.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Belgian Golden Strong Ale at home
Replace part of the grain with sugar (dextrose or sucrose) so it finishes dry, mash low around 64–65 °C (147–149 °F) and ferment with lots of yeast and lots of oxygen. Start around 18 °C (64 °F) and let it rise gradually by a few degrees so it finishes. The classic mistake is fermenting too warm from the start and loading it with fusel alcohols. Carbonate very high and use bottles that can take the pressure.
Food pairing
Prawns, creamy cheeses or spicy Thai dishes.
Glassware: tulip glass, it concentrates the aroma and holds the head.
Classic examples
- Duvel
- Delirium Tremens
- La Chouffe
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Belgian Golden Strong Ale?
Between 7.5% and 10.5% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a very high strength.
How bitter is Belgian Golden Strong Ale?
It has 22 to 35 IBUs, a moderate bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Belgian Golden Strong Ale?
Straw to gold: 3 to 6 SRM (6 to 12 EBC).
What food pairs well with Belgian Golden Strong Ale?
Prawns, creamy cheeses or spicy Thai dishes.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Belgian Tripel, Belgian Blond Ale and Belgian IPA.
If you like Belgian Golden Strong Ale, try these
Classification and statistics: official Belgian Golden Strong Ale guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.