kpc logoKing's Plate Cooking
All styles

BJCP 2021 / 24B

Belgian Pale Ale

A balanced, biscuity Belgian amber ale with gentle fruit and a dry finish.

  • Drink fresh
  • standard strength
  • amber color
  • top fermented
  • western europe

Serve: 46 to 52F, Tulip or goblet

OG1.120
1.048 to 1.054
FG1.030
1.010 to 1.014
IBU120
20 to 30
SRM40
8 to 14
ABV14%
4.8 to 5.5%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Toasty biscuit malt
  • Light orange and spicy fruit from the yeast
  • A touch of floral or herbal hop
Vague
Malty
Better
Biscuit and light fruit
Best
Low to moderate biscuit and toast malt aroma, light orange and spicy esters, faint floral hop

Appearance

3 pts
  • Gold to copper
  • Clear
  • White to off-white head
Vague
Amber
Better
Copper and clear
Best
Deep gold to copper, bright, white to off-white head with good retention

Flavor

20 pts
  • Toasty biscuit malt and light fruit
  • Spicy and herbal hop touch
  • Moderate bitterness with a dry finish
Vague
Balanced
Better
Biscuit malt and light fruit
Best
Moderate biscuit and toast malt, light orange and peppery yeast, low floral hop, moderate bitterness, medium-dry finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Medium-light to medium body
  • Medium to medium-high carbonation
  • Smooth
Vague
Smooth
Better
Medium body, smooth
Best
Medium-light to medium body, smooth, medium to medium-high carbonation

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Subtle complexity

Drops it

  • Heavy sweetness
  • Strong spice

Writing tip

Aim for subtlety. Example: 'Biscuit malt with a trace of orange and pepper. Gentle and balanced.'

Pour these

  • De KoninckBrouwerij De KoninckBiscuity and fruity, a bit of hop
  • SpecialePalmToasted malt and orange fruit

Often confused with

Fine here

  • Estery: Light fruit fits

Ruinous here

  • Diacetyl: Butter
  • Phenolic: Medicinal clove
  • Oxidized: Stale

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.