Strong Ale

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 perceived.

Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Not perceived to very low

Perceived Bitterness: Evident but minimal, and balanced with malt flavors.

Fermentation Characteristics: A rich, often sweet and complex fruity-estery character can contribute to the profile of Strong Ales. Alcohol types can be varied and complex. Very low levels of diacetyl are acceptable.

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.

• Color SRM (EBC): 8-21 (16-42 EBC)
• ABV: 5.5%-8.9% (7.0%-11.3%) %
• IBU: 30-65
• AE - Apparent Extract: 1.014-1.040 (3.6-10.0 °Plato)
• OG - Original Gravity: 1.060-1.125 (14.7-29.0 °Plato)