BJCP 2021 / 17A
British Strong Ale
A rich, malty British ale with fruit, caramel and a warming finish.
- Ages well
- high strength
- amber color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 52 to 58F, Tulip or snifter
OG1.120
1.055 to 1.080FG1.030
1.015 to 1.022IBU120
30 to 60SRM40
8 to 22ABV14%
5.5 to 8.0%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Rich malt: caramel, toffee and toast
- Dark fruit such as plum and raisin
- Earthy hop and a trace of warming alcohol
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Toffee and dark fruit
- Best
- Moderate-high caramel, toffee and toast with plum and raisin, low earthy hop, light alcohol warmth
Appearance
3 pts- Amber to dark brown
- Clear to bright
- Off-white to tan head
- Vague
- Brown
- Better
- Amber-brown and bright
- Best
- Deep amber to dark brown, bright, off-white to tan head with moderate retention
Flavor
20 pts- Caramel, toffee and dark fruit
- Biscuit and toast malt
- Moderate bitterness, warm finish
- Vague
- Rich
- Better
- Toffee, toast and dark fruit
- Best
- Moderate-high caramel, toffee and toasted malt with plum and raisin, moderate bitterness, warming medium finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium to full body
- Low to medium carbonation
- Smooth, warming
- Vague
- Warm
- Better
- Full body, warming
- Best
- Medium-full body, smooth and warming, low to medium carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Integrated alcohol
- Layered malt
Drops it
- Hot fusels
- Cloying sugars
Writing tip
Look for balance in the warmth. Example: 'Toffee and plum with warming alcohol that stays smooth. Rich but not heavy.'
Pour these
- 1845Fuller'sToffee and orange with a warm finish
- Old Speckled HenGreene KingCaramel and a gentle dry finish
- HobgoblinWychwoodRich fruity malt with a rounded finish
Often confused with
- 17B Old AleOld Ale is richer, darker and more aged
- 11C Strong BitterStrong Bitter is lighter and more bitter
Fine here
- Alcoholic: A warming note fits
- Oxidized: A faint sherry note is tolerated in aged bottles
- Estery: Dark fruit is part of the profile
Ruinous here
- Solvent: Hot, nail-polish alcohol
- Diacetyl: Butter becomes cloying
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.