Strong Ale Style
- Color: Amber to dark brown
- Clarity: Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
- Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Medium to high malt and caramel sweetness. Very low levels of roast malt may be present.
- Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Not present to very low
- Perceived Bitterness: Present but minimal, and balanced with malt flavors.
- Fermentation Characteristics: Rich, often sweet and complex fruity ester attributes can contribute to the profile of Strong Ales. Alcohol types can be varied and complex. Diacetyl is usually absent in these beers but may be present at very low levels.
- Body: Medium to full
- Additional notes: When using these guidelines as the basis for evaluating entries at competitions, competition organizers may choose to split this category into subcategories which reflect strong and very strong versions.
Strong Ale Vital Statistics
- Original Gravity (°Plato) 1.060-1.125 (14.7-29 °Plato)
- Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (°Plato) 1.014-1.040 (3.6-10 °Plato)
- Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.5%-8.9% (7.0%-11.3%)
- Bitterness (IBU) 30-65
- Color SRM (EBC) 8-21(16-42 EBC)
2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines used with permission of Brewers Association.
Credit: 2020 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines – Ale Styles – British Origin Ale Styles – Strong Ale