Intense Belgian Ales

Intense Belgian Ales Belgium’s strong ales have a heavy alcohol presence, sweetly malt-heavy flavors, and a richness that’s perfect for drinking on frigid, windy nights. They’re loosely grouped according to strength: dubbels are usually 6-7% ABV, tripels are usually 7-9%, and quads stretch into the double digits. The higher you go, the darker and more intense the flavors become. Oh, and what about singles, you ask? Confusingly, they don’t really exist, at least as it relates to beer store shelves. Dubbels tend to be purplish brown in color and deeply sweet, thanks to the use of caramelized beet sugar in the brewing process. That lends a rasin- and plum-like flavor, while the Belgian yeast adds a touch of spice. Tripels diverge slightly by...