- Belgium
- Ale
- ABV = 7.5 – 10.5% (High to very high)^
- IBU = 22-35
- SRM = 3-6
A strong, highly-carbonated Belgian golden ale with significant fruity yeast flavour, hop character and a dry, bitter finish.
Strongly resembles Belgian Tripel, but often paler, lighter-bodied, crisper and drier. Tends to use yeast that favour esters (particularly pome fruit) over phenols, and has more of a late hop character.
Appearance:
- Colour^ = Straw to gold
- Clarity = Good
Key Aromas & Flavours:
Aroma
- Malt = Low; slightly grainy-sweet to nearly neutral
- Hops = Low to moderate; herbal, floral or spicy
- Yeast = Moderate to high; fruity esters (pome fruit, especially pear) / low to moderate; spicy phenols (peppery) / low to moderate; soft, perfumy alcohol
Flavour
- Malt = Low; slightly grainy-sweet to nearly neutral
- Hops = Low to moderate; herbal, floral or spicy
- Yeast = Moderate to high; fruity esters (pome fruit, especially pear) / low to moderate; spicy phenols (peppery) / low to moderate; soft, perfumy alcohol
- Perceived Bitterness^ = Moderate
- Balance = More fruity and hoppy than spicy, with malt in support
Aftertaste/Finish
A long, dry finish. Bitterness, accentuated by the dry finish and high carbonation, lasts into the aftertaste.
Mouthfeel:
- Body = Light to medium
- Carbonation = Very high; effervescent
- Alcohol warmth = Smooth, but noticeable
Characteristic Ingredients/Processes:
- Malt = Pilsner malt, plus pale sugar syrup
- Hops = Continental hop varietals
- Yeast = Belgian ale yeast (that favours ester production, particularly pome fruit, over spicy phenols)
- Process = Traditionally bottle conditioned (ie. refermented in the bottle)
Historical Development:
Developed by the Moortgat brewery after WWI as a response to the growing popularity of pale Pilsner-style lagers. Originally a darker beer, it achieved its modern form by the 1970s.
References to the devil are included in the names of many commercial examples of this style, referring to their potent alcoholic strength and as a tribute to the original: Duvel.
Commercial Examples:
Duvel, Delirium Tremens, Judas
^Sourced from the Cicerone Certification Program’s International Certified Beer Server Syllabus (Version 5.0)
All other information is sourced from the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines.
Discovering Beer is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Cicerone® Certification Program.
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