BA style guidelines flashcards ALE BELGIAN AND FRENCH AND OTHER
(42 cards)
Belgian-Style Blonde Ales are pale to light amber. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures. Malt aroma is low. Low to medium fruity-ester aromas balanced with light malt and spice aromas may be present. Hop aroma is not perceived to low; noble-type hops are commonly used. Malt flavor is low. Hop flavor is not perceived to low. Hop bitterness is very low to low. Overall impression is a beer orchestrated with balanced light sweet, spiced and low to medium fruity-ester flavors. Low yeast-derived phenolic spiciness may be perceived. Diacetyl and acidic character should not be perceived. Body is light to medium.
Belgian-Style Blonde Ale
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.054 - 1.068 (13.3 - 16.6) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.008 - 1.014 (2.1 - 3.6) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.00% - 6.20% (6.30% - 7.90%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (15 - 30) _ Color SRM (EBC) 4 - 7 (8 - 14)
Belgian-Style Blonde Ale
Belgian-Style Pale Ales are gold to copper. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures. Malt aroma is low. Low to medium fruity-ester aromas are evident. Yeast-derived phenolic spiciness may be perceived. Diacetyl aroma should not be perceived. Hop aroma is low but noticeable; noble-type hops are commonly used. Malt aroma is low. Low caramel or toasted malt flavor is acceptable. Hop flavor is low but noticeable. Hop bitterness is low but noticeable. Low to medium fruity-ester flavors are evident. Low levels of yeast-derived phenolic spicy flavors may be perceived. Diacetyl flavor should not be perceived. Body is light to medium.
Belgian-Style Pale Ale
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.044 - 1.054 (11 - 13.3) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.008 - 1.014 (2.1 - 3.6) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.20% - 5.00% (4.10% - 6.30%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (20 - 30) _ Color SRM (EBC) 6 - 12 (12 - 24)
Belgian-Style Pale Ale
Belgian-Style Pale Strong Ales are pale to copper. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures. Hop aroma is medium-low to medium-high. Malt character intensity should be low to medium, often surviving along with a complex fruitiness. Hop flavor is medium-low to medium-high. Hop bitterness is medium-low to medium-high. These beers are often brewed with light colored Belgian “candy” sugar. Very little or no diacetyl should be perceived. Herbs and spices are sometimes used to delicately flavor these strong ales. Low levels of yeast-derived phenolic spiciness may also be perceived. These beers can be malty in overall impression or dry and highly attenuated. They can have a perceptively deceiving high alcoholic character. They can have relatively light body for beers of this alcoholic strength. Some versions may be equally high in alcohol yet more medium in body. Body is very light to medium.
Belgian-Style Pale Strong Ale
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.064 - 1.096 (15.7 - 22.9) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.008 - 1.024 (2 - 6.1) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.60% - 8.80% (7.10% - 11.20%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (20 - 50) _ Color SRM (EBC) 3.5 - 10 (7 - 20)
Belgian-Style Pale Strong Ale
Belgian-Style Dark Strong Ales are medium-amber to very dark. Chill haze is allowable at cold temperatures. Medium to high malt aroma and complex fruity aromas are distinctive. Very little or no diacetyl aroma should be perceived. Hop aroma is low to medium. Medium to high malt intensity can be rich, creamy, and sweet. Fruity complexity along with soft roasted malt flavor adds distinct character. Hop flavor is low to medium. Hop bitterness is low to medium. These beers are often, though not always, brewed with dark Belgian “candy” sugar. Very little or no diacetyl flavor should be perceived. Herbs and spices are sometimes used to delicately flavor these strong ales. Low levels of phenolic spiciness from yeast byproducts may also be perceived. These beers can be well attenuated, with an alcohol strength which is often deceiving to the senses. Body is medium to full.
Belgian-Style Dark Strong Ale
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.064 - 1.096 (15.7 - 22.9) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.012 - 1.024 (3.1 - 6.1) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.60% - 8.80% (7.10% - 11.20%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (20 - 50) _ Color SRM (EBC) 9 - 35 (18 - 70)
Belgian-Style Dark Strong Ale
Belgian-Style Dubbels are brown to very dark. Chill haze is acceptable at low serving temperatures. Slight yeast haze is often evident when bottle conditioned. Head retention is dense and mousse-like. Chocolate-like caramel aroma is present. Fruity-ester aromas (especially banana) are appropriate at low levels. Diacetyl aroma should not be perceived. Hop aroma is low if present. Malty sweetness and chocolate-like character is present. Hop flavor is low if present. Hop bitterness is medium-low to medium. Diacetyl should not be perceived. Fruity-ester flavors (especially banana) are appropriate at low levels.
Belgian-Style Dubbel
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.060 - 1.075 (14.7 - 18.2) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.012 - 1.016 (3.1 - 4.1) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.00% - 6.00% (6.30% - 7.60%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (20 - 30) _ Color SRM (EBC) 16 - 36 (32 - 72)
Belgian-Style Dubbel
Belgian-Style Tripels are pale to medium-amber. Chill haze is acceptable at low serving temperatures. Traditional tripels are bottle conditioned and may exhibit slight yeast haze, but the yeast should not be intentionally roused. Head retention is dense and mousse-like. A complex, sometimes mild spicy aroma characterizes this style. Clove- like phenolic aroma may be very low. Fruity-ester aromas including banana are also common but not necessary. Hop aroma is low if present. Low sweetness from very pale malts is present. Character from roasted or any dark malts should not be present. Hop flavor is low if present. Hop bitterness is medium to medium-high. Complex sometimes mild spicy flavor characterizes this style. Clove-like phenolic flavor may be evident at very low levels. Fruity-ester flavors including banana are also common but not necessary. Traditional Tripels are often well attenuated. Brewing sugar may be used to lighten the perception of body. Alcohol strength and flavor should be perceived as evident. Hop/malt balance is equalizing. The overall beer flavor may finish sweet, though any sweet finish should be light. Oxidative character if evident in aged tripels should be mild and pleasant. Body is medium.
Belgian-Style Tripel
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.070 - 1.092 (17.1 _ 22.0) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.008 - 1.018 (2.1 - 4.6) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.60% - 8.00% (7.10% - 10.10%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (20 - 45) _ Color SRM (EBC) 4 - 9 (8 - 18)
Belgian-Style Tripel
Belgian-Style Quadrupels are amber to dark brown. Chill haze is acceptable at low serving temperatures. A mousse-like dense, sometimes amber head will top off a properly poured and served quad. Complex fruity aromas reminiscent of raisins, dates, figs, grapes and/or plums emerge, often accompanied with a hint of winy character. Hop aroma is not perceived to very low. Caramel, dark sugar and malty sweet flavors and aromas can be intense, not cloying, while complementing fruitiness. Hop flavor is not perceived to very low. Hop bitterness is low to low- medium. Perception of alcohol can be extreme. Complex fruity flavors reminiscent of raisins, dates, figs, grapes and/or plums emerge, often accompanied with a hint of winy character. Perception of alcohol can be extreme. Clove-like phenolic flavor and aroma should not be evident. Diacetyl and DMS should not be perceived. Quadrupels are well attenuated and are characterized by the immense presence of alcohol and balanced flavor, bitterness and aromas. They are well balanced with savoring/sipping drinkability. Oxidative character if evident in aged examples should be mild and pleasant. Body is full with creamy mouthfeel.
Belgian-Style Quadrupel
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.084 - 1.120 (20.2 - 28) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.014 - 1.020 (3.6 - 5.1) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 7.20% - 11.20% (9.10% - 14.20%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (25 - 50) _ Color SRM (EBC) 8 - 20 (16 - 40)
Belgian-Style Quadrupel
French-Style Bie_re de Gardes are light amber to chestnut brown/red. Chill haze is acceptable. These beers are often bottle conditioned so slight yeast haze is acceptable. These beers are characterized by a toasted malt aroma. Fruity-ester aromas can be light to medium in intensity. Bie_re de Garde may have Brettanomyces yeast-derived aromas that are slightly acidic, fruity, horsey, goaty and/or leather-like. Earthy, cellar-like and/or musty aromas are acceptable. Diacetyl aroma should not be perceived. Hop aroma is low to medium, from noble-type hops. These beers are characterized by slight malt sweetness in flavor. Hop flavor is low to medium, from noble-type hops. Hop bitterness is low to medium. Bie_re de Garde may have Brettanomyces yeast-derived flavors that are slightly acidic, fruity, horsey, goaty and/or leather-like. Flavor of alcohol is evident. Fruity-ester flavors can be light to medium in intensity. Diacetyl flavor should not be perceived. During registration brewers may specify pouring instructions, choosing normal pouring, quiet pouring or intentional rousing of yeast. Entries will be presented during judging as specified by entering brewer. Body is light to medium.
French-Style Bie_re de Garde
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.060 - 1.080 (14.7 - 19.3) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.012 - 1.024 (3.1 - 6.1) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.50% - 6.30% (4.40% - 8.00%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (20 - 30) _ Color SRM (EBC) 7 - 16 (14 - 32)
French-Style Bie_re de Garde
French & Belgian-Style Saisons are pale to light brown. Chill or slight yeast haze is acceptable. There may be quite a variety of characters within these beers. Malt aroma is low to medium-low. Fruity-ester aromas are medium to high. Earthy, cellar-like and/or musty aromas are okay. Diacetyl aroma should not be perceived. Hop aroma is low to medium. Malt flavor is low but provides foundation for the overall balance. Hop flavor is low to medium. Hop bitterness is medium to medium-high. Complex alcohols, herbs, spices, low Brettanomyces character and even clove and smoke-like phenolics may or may not be evident in the overall balanced beer. Herb and/or spice flavors, including black pepper-like notes, may or may not be evident. Fruitiness from fermentation is generally in character. A balanced small amount of sour or acidic flavors is acceptable when in balance with other components. Diacetyl flavor should not be perceived. These beers are often bottle conditioned with some yeast character and high carbonation. Saison may have Brettanomyces characters that are slightly acidic, fruity, horsey, goaty and/or leather- like. Specialty ingredients (spices, herbs, flowers, fruits, vegetables, fermentable sugars and carbohydrates, special yeasts of all types, wood aging, etc.) may contribute unique and signature character; color, body, malt character, esters, alcohol level and hop character should be in harmony with the general style description. Body is generally light to medium. At competition, specialty ingredient flavored Saisons can be their own categories or subcategories of the main style.
French & Belgian-Style Saison
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.055 - 1.080 (13.6 - 19.3) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.004 - 1.016 (1.0 - 4.1) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.50% - 6.60% (4.40% - 8.40%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (20 - 40) _ Color SRM (EBC) 4 - 14 (8 - 28)
French & Belgian-Style Saison
Belgian-Style Flanders Oud Bruin or Oud Red Ales are copper to very dark. SRM/EBC color values can be misleading because the red spectrum of color is not accurately assessed using these procedures. Chill haze is acceptable at low serving temperatures. Some versions may be more highly carbonated and, when bottle conditioned, may appear cloudy when served. Roasted malt aromas including a cocoa-like character are acceptable at low levels. Brettanomyces produced aromas may be completely absent or very low. Fruity-estery aroma which is often cherry-like is apparent. Hop aroma is not perceived. Roasted malt flavors including a cocoa-like character are acceptable at low levels. A very low degree of malt sweetness may be present and in balance with the acidity produced by Lactobacillus activity. Hop flavor is not perceived. Hop bitterness is perceived to be very low to medium-low, though acidity and wood aging (if used) may mask higher bitterness unit levels. Overall balance is characterized by slight to strong lactic sourness, and with “Reds” sometimes a balanced degree of acetic acid. Brettanomyces produced flavors may be absent or very low. Fruity-estery flavor which is often cherry-like is apparent. Oak-like or woody characters may be pleasantly integrated into overall palate. Bottle conditioned versions are often blended old with new before packaging in order to create the brewerês intended balance of characters. Body is described as a refreshing mouthfeel.
Belgian-Style Flanders Oud Bruin or Oud Red Ale
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.044 - 1.056 (11 - 13.8) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.008 - 1.016 (2.1 - 4.1) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.80% - 5.20% (4.80% - 6.60%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (8 - 25) _ Color SRM (EBC) 12 - 25 (24 - 50)
Belgian-Style Flanders Oud Bruin or Oud Red Ale
Belgian-Style White (or Wit)/Belgian-Style Wheats are straw to pale. Unfiltered starch and yeast haze should be part of the appearance. Wits are traditionally bottle conditioned and served cloudy. Coriander and light orange peel aroma should be perceived as such or as an unidentified spiciness. Low to medium fruity-ester aromas are present. Diacetyl aroma should not be perceived. Hop aroma is not perceived. Malt character is very low to low. Hop flavor is not perceived to low. Hop bitterness is low, achieved traditionally by the use of noble-type hops. Wits are spiced with coriander and orange peel. Mild phenolic spiciness and yeast flavors may be evident. Low to medium fruity- ester flavors are present. Mild acidity is appropriate. No diacetyl flavor should be perceived. Wits are brewed using unmalted wheat, sometimes oats and malted barley. During registration brewers may specify pouring instructions, choosing normal pouring, quiet pouring or intentional rousing of yeast. Entries will be presented during judging as specified by entering brewer. Body is low to medium, with a degree of creaminess from wheat starch.
Belgian-Style White (or Wit)/Belgian-Style Wheat
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.044 - 1.050 (11 - 12.4) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.006 - 1.010 (1.5 - 2.6) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 3.80% - 4.40% (4.80% - 5.60%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (10 - 17) _ Color SRM (EBC) 2 - 4 (4 - 8)
Belgian-Style White (or Wit)/Belgian-Style Wheat
Belgian-Style Lambics are gold to medium-amber. Cloudiness is acceptable. Characteristic horsey, goaty, leathery and phenolic aromas evolved from Brettanomyces yeast are often present at moderate levels. High to very high fruity-ester aromas are present. Hop aroma is not perceived to very low, and can include cheesy or floral lavender- like character. Hop character is achieved by using stale and aged hops at low rates. Lambics are brewed with unmalted wheat and malted barley. Sweet malt characters are not perceived. Hop flavor is not perceived to very low. Hop bitterness is very low. Traditionally Lambics are unblended, naturally and spontaneously fermented, with high to very high levels of fruity esters, bacterial and yeast derived sourness, that sometimes but not necessarily includes acetic flavors. Characteristic horsey, goaty, leathery and phenolic flavors evolved from Brettanomyces yeast are often present at moderate levels. Some modern versions are fermented with the addition of cultured yeast and bacteria. Carbonation can range from low to high. Vanillin and other wood-derived flavors should not be evident. Lambics originating in the Brussels area are often simply called lambic. Versions of this beer style made outside of the Brussels area of Belgium cannot be called true lambics. These versions are said to be “Belgian-Style Lambic” and may be made to resemble many of the beers of true origin. Historically, traditional lambic is dry and completely attenuated, exhibiting no residual sweetness either from malt, sugar or artificial sweeteners. Sweet versions may be created through addition of sugars or artificial sweeteners. Body is very light with dry mouthfeel. Competition organizers may choose to subcategorize this style into A) Traditional and B) Sweet.
Belgian-Style Lambic
Original Gravity (oPlato) 1.047 - 1.056 (11.7 - 13.8) _ Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (oPlato) 1.000 - 1.010 (0.0 - 2.6) _ Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 5.00% - 6.50% (6.30% - 8.20%) _ Bitterness (IBU) (9 - 23) _ Color SRM (EBC) 6 - 13 (12 - 26)
Belgian-Style Lambic