25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale

Question 1

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - Overall Impression

Answer 1

A pale, complex, effervescent, strong Belgian-style ale that is highly attenuated and features fruity and hoppy notes in preference to phenolics.

Question 2

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - Aroma

Answer 2

Complex with significant fruity esters, moderate spiciness and low to moderate alcohol and hop aromas. Esters are reminiscent of lighter fruits such as pears, oranges or apples. Moderate to moderately low spicy, peppery phenols. A low to moderate yet distinctive perfumy, floral hop character is often present. Alcohols are soft, spicy, perfumy and low-to-moderate in intensity. No hot alcohol or solventy aromas. The malt character is light and slightly grainy-sweet to nearly neutral.

Question 3

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - Appearance

Answer 3

Yellow to medium gold in color. Good clarity. Effervescent. Massive, long-lasting, rocky, often beady, white head resulting in characteristic Belgian lace on the glass as it fades.

Question 4

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - Flavor

Answer 4

Marriage of fruity, spicy and alcohol flavors supported by a soft malt character. Esters are reminiscent of pears, oranges or apples. Low to moderately low phenols are peppery in character. A low to moderate spicy hop character is often present. Alcohols are soft and spicy, and are low-to-moderate in intensity. Bitterness is typically medium to high from a combination of hop bitterness and yeast-produced phenolics. Substantial carbonation and bitterness leads to a dry finish with a low to moderately bitter aftertaste.

Question 5

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - Mouthfeel

Answer 5

Very highly carbonated; effervescent. Light to medium body, although lighter than the substantial gravity would suggest. Smooth but noticeable alcohol warmth. No hot alcohol or solventy character.

Question 6

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - Characteristic Ingredients

Answer 6

Pilsner malt with substantial sugary adjuncts. Saazer-type hops or Styrian Goldings are commonly used. Belgian yeast strains are used – those that produce fruity esters, spicy phenolics and higher alcohols – often aided by slightly warmer fermentation temperatures. Fairly soft water. Spicing is not traditional; if present, should be a background character only.

Question 7

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - Style Comparison

Answer 7

Strongly resembles a Tripel, but may be even paler, lighter-bodied and even crisper and drier; the drier finish and lighter body also serves to make the assertive hopping and yeast character more prominent. Tends to use yeast that favor ester development (particularly pome fruit) over spiciness in the balance.

Question 8

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - Comments

Answer 8

References to the devil are included in the names of many commercial examples of this style, referring to their potent alcoholic strength and as a tribute to the original example (Duvel). The best examples are complex and delicate. High carbonation helps to bring out the many flavors and to increase the perception of a dry finish. Traditionally bottle-conditioned (or refermented in the bottle).

Question 9

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - History

Answer 9

Originally developed by the Moortgat brewery after WWI as a response to the growing popularity of Pilsner beers.

Question 10

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - Commerical Examples

Answer 10

Brigand, Delirium Tremens, Dulle Teve, Duvel, Judas, Lucifer, Piraat, Russian River Damnation

Question 11

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - OG

Answer 11

1.070-1.095

Question 12

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - FG

Answer 12

1.005-1.016

Question 13

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - ABV

Answer 13

7.5-10.5

Question 14

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - IBU

Answer 14

22-35

Question 15

25C Belgian Golden Strong Ale - SRM

Answer 15

3-6