English Strong Ale
Generally amber to copper-brown in color, English Strong Ale bottle-conditioned versions may contain yeast sediment. Aroma and flavor complexities reveal themselves in the varying combinations of malts, fruity esters and alcohol across different examples. Earthy bitterness from English hop varietals is typically mild but may be perceptible. This generally serves to temper any potential cloying sweetness from the malts. Some breweries may age all or a portion of their English Strong Ale in wooden vessels for sufficient time—perhaps for several months—to capture additional flavor complexities. Medium to medium-full in body, the mouth-feel is generally smooth and creamy. Considering the overall flavor and alcohol strength characteristics of the English Strong Ale style, it can be thought of as slotting between the English Pale Ale and English Barley Wine styles. Only a handful of Old and New World examples of this style are available in the U.S., and some of these are seasonal releases.Recommended Glassware:
Color Range:
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taste/Smell | Balanced, Grainy, Citrusy, Light-bodied |
| Alcohol-by-Volume (ABV) Range | 6 – 11% |
| Bitterness (IBU) | 30-65 |
| Popular Examples | Fuller’s 1845 Bottle Conditioned Ale, Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Beer, Samuel Smith’s Yorkshire Stingo, Nimbus Old Monkeyshine, Yards Thomas Jefferson’s Tavern Ale, Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale, Ridgeway Brewing’s Bad Elf series selections (annual winter holiday release) |
| Serving Temperature | Cellar, 55-57° |
| Glassware | Beer snifter, stemmed tulip, large wine glass |
| Cheese Pairing Ideas | Camembert, Gloucester, Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton |
| Food Pairing Ideas | Roasted or grilled game, lamb, beef and salmon |
