BJCP 2021 / 26A
Belgian Single
A light, dry, hoppy monastic ale with a peppery yeast signature.
- Drink fresh
- standard strength
- pale color
- top fermented
- western europe
Serve: 44 to 50F, Chalice or tulip
OG1.120
1.044 to 1.054FG1.030
1.004 to 1.010IBU120
25 to 45SRM40
3 to 5ABV14%
4.8 to 6.0%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Pale grain and light honey
- Citrus and light pepper from the yeast
- Floral or spicy hop
- Vague
- Fruity
- Better
- Pale malt, citrus and spice
- Best
- Low pale malt and honey aroma, light citrus and peppery yeast, low to moderate floral hop
Appearance
3 pts- Pale to deep gold
- Clear
- White head with good retention
- Vague
- Gold
- Better
- Gold and clear
- Best
- Pale to deep gold, clear to hazy, white head of good retention
Flavor
20 pts- Light grain and honey
- Citrus and pepper yeast notes
- Noticeable bitterness and a dry finish
- Vague
- Dry
- Better
- Light malt, citrus and pepper
- Best
- Low pale malt sweetness, light citrus and pepper, moderate bitterness with floral hop, dry crisp finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Light to medium-light body
- High carbonation
- Crisp
- Vague
- Light
- Better
- Light and crisp
- Best
- Light to medium-light body, high carbonation, crisp and dry
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Dryness
- Bitterness in balance
Drops it
- Sweetness
- Heavy phenols
Writing tip
Mention bitterness and dryness. Example: 'Light malt with citrus and pepper, firm bitterness and a dry finish. Refreshing.'
Pour these
- ExtraWestmalleLight, dry and peppery
- BlondWestvleterenGentle fruit and firm bitterness
Often confused with
- 25A Belgian Blond AleBlond is stronger and rounder
- 25B SaisonSaison is more peppery and dry
Fine here
- Estery: Citrus and pepper fit
Ruinous here
- Phenolic: Medicinal clove
- 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.