BJCP 2021 / 22B
American Strong Ale
A strong, malty, hoppy ale where caramel and bitterness share the lead.
- Any age
- high strength
- amber color
- top fermented
- north america
Serve: 48 to 54F, Snifter or tulip
OG1.120
1.062 to 1.090FG1.030
1.014 to 1.024IBU120
50 to 100SRM40
7 to 18ABV14%
6.3 to 10.0%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Caramel, toast and dark fruit
- Citrus and pine hop
- Alcohol warmth
- Vague
- Malty
- Better
- Caramel malt and hop
- Best
- Moderate-high caramel and toast malt with citrus and pine hop and dark-fruit notes, light alcohol warmth
Appearance
3 pts- Amber to deep brown
- Clear to hazy
- Off-white head
- Vague
- Amber
- Better
- Amber with a tan head
- Best
- Amber to deep brown, clear, off-white to tan head with good retention
Flavor
20 pts- Caramel and toasted malt backbone
- Hop bitterness and flavor
- Warming finish
- Vague
- Strong
- Better
- Caramel malt and hop bitterness
- Best
- Moderate-high caramel and toast malt with citrus and pine hop flavor, high bitterness, warming medium-dry finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium-full body
- Medium carbonation
- Warming
- Vague
- Warm
- Better
- Medium-full and warm
- Best
- Medium-full body, smooth, warming, medium carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Malt and hop in balance
Drops it
- Hot alcohol
- Cloying sweetness
Writing tip
Describe the malt base. Example: 'Caramel and toast with citrusy hop and warming finish. Bold and balanced.'
Pour these
- Arrogant Bastard AleStone BrewingAggressive hop with caramel and warmth
Often confused with
- 22A Double IPADouble IPA is paler and hop-only
- 22C American BarleywineAmerican Barleywine is stronger and sweeter
Fine here
- Alcoholic: A warming note belongs
Ruinous here
- Solvent: Hot fusels
- Oxidized: Stale
- Diacetyl: Butter
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.