Explore Beers By Style

Belgian Dark Ale

Jun 232013

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 9.6%
Brewed By Dust Bowl Brewing Company
200 W Main St
Turlock
California
USA
North America
(209) 250-2042
www.dustbowlbrewing.com

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Aroma
Appearance
Flavor
Mouthfeel
Stylistic Accuracy
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Belgian-Style Dark Ale Traits

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Beer Style Description

Belgian dark ales are amber to dark brown in color. Often, though not always, brewed with dark Belgian “candy” sugar, these beers can be well attenuated, ranging from medium to full-bodied. The perception of hop bitterness is low to medium, with hop flavor and aroma also in this range. Fruity complexity along with the soft flavors of roasted malts add distinct character. The intensity of malt character can be rich, creamy, and sweet with intensities ranging from medium to high. Very little or no diacetyl is perceived. Herbs and spices are sometimes used to delicately flavor these ales. Low levels of phenolic spiciness from yeast byproducts may also be perceived. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures.

Alcohol By Volume Range

4-7.8

IBU's Range

20-35

Aroma

Complex, with a rich malty sweetness, significant esters and an optional light to moderate spiciness. The malt is rich and strong, and can have a Munich-type quality often with a caramel, toast and/or bready aroma. The fruity esters are strong to moderately low, and can contain raisin, plum, dried cherry, fig or prune notes. Spicy phenols may be present, but usually have a peppery quality not clove-like. Alcohols are soft, spicy, perfumy and/or rose-like, and are low to moderate in intensity. Hops are not usually present (but a very low noble hop aroma is acceptable). No diacetyl. No dark/roast malt aroma. No hot alcohols or solventy aromas. No recognizable spice additions.

Appearance

Deep amber to deep coppery-brown in color (“dark” in this context implies “more deeply colored than golden”). Huge, dense, moussy, persistent cream- to light tan-colored head. Can be clear to somewhat hazy.

Flavor

Moderately malty or sweet on palate. Finish is variable depending on interpretation. Sweeter and more full-bodied beers will have a higher bitterness level to balance. Almost all versions are malty in the balance, although a few are lightly bitter. The complex and varied flavors should blend smoothly and harmoniously.

Mouthfeel

High carbonation but no carbonic acid “bite.” Body can be variable depending on interpretation.