A strong beer designed to be sipped and savoured rather than being drunk by the pint to quench thirst. As the name suggests the main characteristics are that they are strong in alcohol and not light in colour, but these should not be the only way this beer style is defined. These are certainly strong beers as they start at 6.5% ABV.
The high alcohol content and associated cost do make these beers difficult to find, but doing so can be very rewarding.
The main characteristics of this beer style is that they are rich, complex and full bodied. Due to the high alcohol content in some examples they may also be described as warming. These characteristics are shared with similar beer styles Barley Wine and Strong Ale - Dark. Note - these do not include 'Belgian style' Blonds or 'triples' (Tripels) which may be considered a 'speciality' beer due to the use of non-conventional UK developed yeasts.
Colour
Yellow to Dark Gold
Clarity
Usually clear to bright, but can be hazy
Carbonation
Low, unless bottled or canned but even these should be moderate
Alcohol
Noticeable and often warming
Hop
Not present in any great quantities, paricularly in aged examples
Malt
Moderate to Strong
Esters
Often present but not overpowering
Phenols
Present, particularly as a fruity aroma
Fermentation By-Products
When aged, may have some 'barrel influence'
Body
Thick
Carbonation
Low but can be higher in bottled and canned examples
Finish Length
Long and strong, often coupled with the warm glow associated with stronger beers
Attenuation
May be dry to sweet and occasionally honey like, depending on whether sugars have been fermented out.
Hops
May be present but very much in the background
Malt
Moderate to strong
Water
No specific requirements
Yeast
Ale