Style Information

The style of Belgian Dark Ales covers a wide range of Belgian beers. These can include a darker version of an existing beer (using darker malts). The color ranges from medium amber to brown. The aroma should have the usual notable Belgian spiciness, as well as strong malt tones. Flavors should follow the aroma with the malts dominating, and a slight spicy tone. Hop characteristics should be low. ABV should also be somewhat low, in the range of 4% to 6%.

Glassware	Description
Pint Glass	Pint glasses are what most people recognize as a typical beer glass. There are actually three different types of pint glasses - shaker pints, nonic pints and tulip pints. The shaker ... [more]
Snifter	Typically used for serving brandy and cognac, a snifter is ideal for capturing the volatiles of aromatic beers, such as Belgian ales, India Pale Ales, barleywines and wheat wines. The shape helps... [more]
Goblet	A goblet (or chalice) is a large, stemmed, bowl-shaped glass. The distinction between goblet and chalice is typically in the glass thickness. Goblets tend to be more delicate and thin, while the ... [more]
Mug	Typically very heavy and sturdy. A mug (or stein) is most commonly made of glass or stoneware. Traditionally German, one advantage is clinking glasses together without worrying about breaking th... [more]
Wine Glass	Wine glasses come in many shapes that are styled specifically to certain varietals of wine. The shape of the glass is very important, as it concentrates flavors and aroma. Wine glasses can be div... [more]
Tulip	A tulip glass not only helps trap the aroma, but also aids in maintaining large heads, creating a visual and olfactory sensation. The body is bulbous, but the top flares out to form... [more]

	Beer	Consumed
1.	Matacabras by Dave's Brew Farm	32
2.	Thumbprint Chocolate Abbey by New Glarus Brewing Company	21
3.	Big Red Coq by Brewery Vivant	14
4.	1554 Brussels Style Black Ale by New Belgium Brewing Inc.	8
5.	Grand Cru by Kuhnhenn Brewing Company	4
6.	Black Orchard by The Bruery	4
7.	Long John Ale by Red Brick Brewing Company	4
8.	Rare Vos (Amber Ale) by Brewery Ommegang	4
9.	Mocha Belgique by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery	3
10.	Odd Notion Fall '09 by Magic Hat Brewing Company	3

	Beer	Avg Score
1.	Thumbprint Chocolate Abbey by New Glarus Brewing Company	92
2.	Humulus Bruin by The Bruery	90
3.	Matacabras by Dave's Brew Farm	88
4.	Stouterik by Brasserie De La Senne	80
5.	Yuletide Abbey Ale by Great Waters Brewing	80
6.	Grotten Brown / Grottenbier by Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV	80
7.	Conspiracy by Midnight Sun Brewing	80
8.	Big Red Coq by Brewery Vivant	80
9.	Abby Six by Victory Brewing Company	78
10.	Chambly Noire by Unibroue	78