Alcohol is a great carrier of flavour, and is a main driver for the world of strong beer styles where intensity of flavour expression is pushed to the max. These types of beers generally start above 7.0% ABV and can push well above 10.0% ABV, and are often aged to allow flavours to develop over time. This is particularly true of barrel aged beers where wood character (usually oak) as well as residual spirit (bourbon, rum, whisky etc) infuse with the beer over time delivering unique and decadent results.
Always recommended for sharing, and drinking in moderation, these beers are usually served slightly warmer than regular beer styles and often have a lower level of carbonation. Refinement and finesse often describe these beers and they are always a true brew of passion.
Words & Styles to Look For: Imperial, Double, Barrel-Aged, Barley Wine, Bock, Strong.
