Beer Styles #75 – Belgian-Style Pale Ale

Belgian-Style Pale Ale

Description (Courtesy of Beer Advocate)

Belgian Pale Ale
The Belgian brewing scene is littered with Belgian Pales, which were initially brewed to compete with Pilseners during the WWII era. Traditionally, they differ from other regional Pale Ales by being less bitter, using aged hops for a delicate hop finish, and having sweet to toasty malt overtones. They should be decanted properly, leaving the yeast in the bottle. This will showcase their brilliant color range from pale straw yellow to various amber hues. Most will be crowned with thick, clinging, rocky white heads. Flavors and aromas will vary. Some have natural spice character contributed by yeast and hops, while others are deliberately spiced. There's also a more recent trend to make hoppier Pale Ales to entice the US market and its hopheads.


-Color – Gold to copper

-Clarity: Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures

-Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Malt aroma should be low. Caramel or toasted malt flavor is acceptable.

-Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Low but noticeable. Noble-type hops are commonly used.

-Perceived Bitterness: Low to medium

-Body: Low to medium

-ABV: 4.1%-6.3%

-Glassware: Tulip

Examples

Rare Vos Amber Ale
Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, New York

ABV: 6.5%

Notes: Rare Vos Amber Ale is styled after the smooth, drinkable beers popular in Belgian cafés. It pours a light copper hue, contrasting beautifully with a big, creamy white head. The nose offers orange blossoms and slight spice. On the palate, the caramel maltiness shines strongly but with little sweetness. The profile leans toward dry fruity (yeast-affiliated), slightly fruity/hoppy with a beguiling spiciness. This complex, medium-bodied beer has a smooth mid-palate and moderate dry finish. Well-balanced in all elements, it's a mild, mellow brew.


Redemption
Russian River Brewing Company, Santa Rosa, CA

ABV: 5.2%

Notes:

This beer was inspired by the Belgian Single or Blonde Ales. It has a fruity, banana bouquet with a spicy, mild finish. Straw with tons of carbonation and 3 fingers of white head. Smells of Belgian yeasts, coriander and light malts. The taste follows the nose to perfection.

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