Style: Belgian Dark Strong Ale

All Styles

Style Profile based on 877 recipes

BU:GU

0.31

Hops

4.0 g/L

Mash pH

5.56

Style Guidelines BJCP 2015 Beer
OG
1.075 1.11
1.09
FG
1.01 1.024
1.017
IBU
20 35
28
ABV
8% 12%
9.8%
SRM
12 22
Description

A dark, complex, very strong Belgian ale with a delicious blend of malt richness, dark fruit flavors, and spicy elements. Complex, rich, smooth and dangerous. History: Most versions are unique in character reflecting characteristics of individual breweries, produced in limited quantities and often highly sought-after. Style Comparison: Like a larger dubbel, with a fuller body and increased malt richness. Not as bitter or hoppy as a tripel, but of similar strength.

Examples: Achel Extra Brune, Boulevard The Sixth Glass, Chimay Grande Réserve, Gouden Carolus Grand Cru of the Emperor, Rochefort 8 & 10, St. Bernardus Abt 12, Westvleteren 12

Typical Grain Bill

% of total grain weight across all recipes · sums to ~100%

Common Additions

% of Belgian Dark Strong Ale recipes using each malt category (addition % in brackets)

Hop Usage by Addition Type

g/L · median with IQR range

Bittering
0.46 g/L 1.88 g/L
1.07 g/L
Flavour
0.44 g/L 1.5 g/L
0.96 g/L
Aroma
0.36 g/L 1.37 g/L
0.75 g/L
Whirlpool
0.44 g/L 1.67 g/L
0.72 g/L

Common Hops

% of Belgian Dark Strong Ale recipes using each hop

Typical Water Profile

Ca²⁺ 75 ppm
Mg²⁺ 7 ppm
Na⁺ 25 ppm
Cl⁻ 75 ppm
SO₄²⁻ 66 ppm
HCO₃⁻ 100 ppm

median across recipes with a declared water profile

Similar Styles

Ranked by similarity across OG, IBU, ABV, hop rate, and grist composition.