Contemporary Belgian-Style Spontaneous Fermented Ale
Belgian and French Origin Ale · Brewers Association 2025
6 SRM40 SRM
- OG
- 1.044 – 1.072
- FG
- 1.004 – 1.016
- ABV
- 5 – 8.9 %
- IBU
- 11 – 23
Belgian and French Origin Ale · Brewers Association 2025
Contemporary Belgian-Style Spontaneous Fermented Ales takes its inspiration from the Traditional Gueuze whose origin is the Brussels area of Belgium. But these beers incorporate specialty malts, spice(s), fruit(s), or many other diverse ingredients and processes that influence the hue, aroma and flavor outcomes of the finished beers such that they differ significantly from traditional examples. When using these guidelines as the basis for evaluating entries at competitions, brewers may be asked to provide supplemental information about entries in this category to allow for accurate evaluation of diverse entries. Such information might include the underlying beer style upon which the entry is based, or other information unique to the entry such as non-traditional malts, sweeteners, fruit(s), spice(s) or any other ingredients or processing which influence perceived sensory outcomes.
Gold to very dark
Cloudiness is acceptable, as these beers are frequently bottle conditioned.
Sweet malt character is not present. Some versions may exhibit attributes typical of specialty malts.
Not present to low and can include cheesy, floral or other attributes typical of aged or unaged hops.
Very low
These blended and secondary fermented beers may be very dry or mildly sweet. They are characterized by intense fruity ester, sour, and acidic attributes which only result from spontaneous fermentation. Diacetyl should not be present. Characteristic horsey, goaty, leathery, and phenolic aromas and flavors derived from Brettanomyces yeast are often present at moderate levels. Aged beer is often blended with young beer to create this special style. Vanillin and other wood-derived flavors may range from absent to present at up to low-medium levels. Carbonation can be none (flat) to high.
Brew to this style
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Very low with dry mouthfeel
Style guideline data is the work of its respective publishers, reproduced here for reference: BJCP · Brewers Association · Norbrygg · SHBF · Danske Øldommere.