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BJCP 2021 / 25C

Belgian Golden Strong Ale

A strong pale ale with the lightness of a lager and the fruit of Belgian yeast.

  • Drink fresh
  • very high strength
  • pale color
  • top fermented
  • western europe

Serve: 42 to 48F, Tulip

OG1.120
1.070 to 1.095
FG1.030
1.005 to 1.016
IBU120
22 to 35
SRM40
3 to 6
ABV14%
7.5 to 10.5%

Taste it in order

Aroma

12 pts
  • Pear, apple and citrus fruit
  • Peppery spice and floral hop
  • Pale malt and a hint of alcohol
Vague
Fruity
Better
Pear, pepper and floral hop
Best
Moderate pear and citrus fruit, peppery spice, light floral hop, light sweet alcohol, clean pale malt

Appearance

3 pts
  • Pale yellow to gold
  • Brilliantly clear
  • Tall white mousse-like head
Vague
Gold
Better
Gold and sparkling
Best
Pale yellow to gold, brilliantly clear, tall dense white head with lacing

Flavor

20 pts
  • Pale malt sweetness with fruit and spice
  • Pear, apple and orange
  • Dry, bitter finish despite the strength
Vague
Fruity
Better
Fruit, spice and a dry finish
Best
Moderate pear, apple and citrus fruit with pepper spice, light pale malt sweetness, moderate bitterness, dry warming finish

Mouthfeel

5 pts
  • Medium-light to medium body
  • Very high carbonation
  • Light, effervescent, warming
Vague
Fizzy
Better
Light body and sparkling
Best
Medium-light body, very high carbonation, dry and champagne-like with gentle warmth

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

  • Hidden alcohol
  • Dry finish
  • Effervescence

Drops it

  • Hot alcohol
  • Cloying sweetness

Writing tip

Check how well the alcohol hides. Example: 'Pear and pepper with bright carbonation, warmth is subtle. Dry and clean for the strength.'

Pour these

  • DuvelDuvel MoortgatThe reference: crisp, pear and pepper
  • Delirium TremensBrouwerij HuygheFruitier and sweeter
  • Golden MonkeyVictory BrewingA US version, spicy and strong

Often confused with

Fine here

  • Estery: Fruity esters belong
  • Alcoholic: Light warmth fits

Ruinous here

  • Solvent: Hot fusels
  • 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.