BJCP 17A · Strong British Ale
British Strong Ale
A strong, malty British ale with caramel, toffee and fruit, variable bitterness and noticeable alcohol. A broad style that sits between a beefed-up bitter and an Old Ale.
British Strong Ale by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 5.5 – 8.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 30 – 60 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 8 – 22 SRM16–43 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.055 – 1.080on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.015 – 1.022on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What British Strong Ale is like
A high-gravity ale with lots of malt, caramel and fruit notes and moderate to high bitterness. It's a broad style that covers everything from very strong bitters to darker, maltier beers.
Appearance
Deep gold to dark reddish brown, clear. Off-white to tan head with moderate retention.
Aroma
Malt with caramel, toffee, toasted bread and fruit such as plum or raisin. May have earthy or floral English hops and some alcohol.
Flavor
Malt with caramel, toffee and fruit, low to moderate hop flavor and low to high bitterness depending on the version. Dry to slightly sweet finish with alcohol warmth.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full body, with some warmth. Low to moderate carbonation.
Where British Strong Ale comes from
It groups the modern strong English ales that don't fit into Old Ale or English Barley Wine, such as high-alcohol special bitters. Many are sold as seasonal or anniversary beers.
Ingredients
English pale ale malt with crystal and sometimes amber malt or sugar. English hops such as Goldings, Fuggle or Challenger and a fruity English yeast.
Brew it yourself
How to brew British Strong Ale at home
Mash at 66-67 °C (151-153 °F) and ferment at 18-20 °C (64-68 °F) with a big pitch and good oxygenation. Let it condition for at least a few weeks before bottling so the alcohol blends in. The classic mistake is fermenting too warm and getting harsh alcohols.
Food pairing
Goes well with roast red meat, aged cheeses or meat pie.
Glassware: tulip glass, it concentrates the aroma and holds the head.
Classic examples
- Fuller's 1845
- Young's Special London Ale
Frequently asked questions
How strong is British Strong Ale?
Between 5.5% and 8.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a high strength.
How bitter is British Strong Ale?
It has 30 to 60 IBUs, a high bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is British Strong Ale?
Amber to dark brown: 8 to 22 SRM (16 to 43 EBC).
What food pairs well with British Strong Ale?
Goes well with roast red meat, aged cheeses or meat pie.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Old Ale and Strong Bitter.
If you like British Strong Ale, try these
Classification and statistics: official British Strong Ale guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.