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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

Continental European Ales

To Quench and to Savor

Belgain Style Amber Ale

This is a not a classic style, but nonetheless encapsulates various beers of a similar Belgian theme that do not fit into the more classic mold. Expect amber-hued, fruity and moderately strong ales (6 percent ABV) with a yeasty character. Typical examples of the style would be Flemish beers such as De Koninck and Straffe Hendrik.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

91 Bon Secours Ambree, Brasserie Caulier (Belgium). 8% ABV (5/07)
Hazy amber color. Fruity caramel, warm molasses and roasted nut aromas. A round entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body of apple nut pie, treacle and savory nut flavors. Finishes with a long, warming, charred nut and black strap molasses fade.

85 Royal Grolsch Amber Ale, Grolsch Bierbrouwerij (Holland). 5.3% ABV (4/08)
Deep tan to light rust in color. Nice woody and sweet nose with hints of caramel, apple wood and marshmallow. Nice wisps of lace left on glass. Soft entry on the palate delivering an apple-like fruitiness with nice touches of caramel and burnt sugar. Lingering notes of raw sugar are replaced by striking hints of bitterness that are a tad cloying and a bit out of balance. Starts out as a session beer and ends a touch bitter—would work well with an aged gouda perhaps.

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