After the First World War, pilsners became especially popular, Belgian golden strong ale appeared as an alternative. Fun fact: manufacturers like to give brands of this style “devilish” names with reference to impure – this is a hint at the “hellish” strength of the drink. This ale has a complex and interesting taste. It is made almost like champagne – with secondary fermentation in the bottle, resulting in a highly carbonated product.
This is a sparkling drink with clear fruity notes and moderate tones of hops and malt. Alcohol is felt with pleasant warmth, spirits are fragrant, not burning. Nuances of grain, spices, flowers are felt in the bouquet. The taste is bitter, but the malty sweetness lingers to the finish. The finish itself is dry, the aftertaste is bitter.
As the name suggests, Belgian golden ale is golden in color. In the glass it forms a plentiful and persistent foam, settling on the walls “lace”. This is a real beer “pop”, the drink is very carbonated, but, despite the high density, light-bodied. It is easy to drink, fusel notes contradict the style standards.
Ale is made on the basis of pils malt and sugar, hops are needed from Zatec, yeast is Belgian. Spices are rarely added as a standalone ingredient, they are felt in the hop profile, but this is not prohibited by style standards.
A golden ale is similar to a light-bodied dry tripel, only more hoppy and yeasty. One of the main features of the style is an intense ethereal profile.
Strength: 7.5-10.5%.
Density: initial 1.070-1.095, final 1.005-1.016.
Bitterness Index: 22-35 IBU.
Color: 3-6 SRM.