Black Flannel Academy

Belgian Pale Ale

top-fermented

A top-fermented, all malt, average strength Belgian ale that is moderately bitter, not dry-hopped, and without strong flavors, with a well-balanced, malty, fruity, and often bready and toasty profile.

Color

8 – 14 SRM

Bitterness

20 – 30 IBU

Alcohol

4.8 – 5.5% ABV

Sweetness

The finish ranges from dry to balanced.

Balance

Moderate to moderately high fruitiness with pear and citrus notes complements medium-high to medium-low bitterness.

History

Historical Development

Created after a competition in 1904 to rival imported beers. De Koninck remains the best-known modern example, making the beer since 1913.

Modern Evolution

Classic characteristics

Appearance

Amber to copper in color with excellent clarity. A creamy, rocky, white head. Well carbonated.

Aroma

Moderate bready malt aroma alongside toasty and nutty notes, potentially with light caramel undertones. Fruitiness offers pear, orange, apple, or lemon qualities. Hop character remains low to moderate spicy, herbal, or floral, with optional low peppery, spicy phenols.

Flavor

An initial soft, smooth, moderately malty flavor with toasty and biscuity elements. Moderate to moderately high fruitiness with pear and citrus notes complements medium-high to medium-low bitterness. The finish ranges from dry to balanced.

Mouthfeel

Medium to medium-light body with a smooth palate. Carbonation medium to medium-high, with restrained warmth.

Flavor Profile Deep Dive

Service notes

BJCP designation

Overall Impression: A top-fermented, all malt, average strength Belgian ale that is moderately bitter, not dry-hopped, and without strong flavors, with a well-balanced, malty, fruity, and often bready and toasty profile.

Comments: Most commonly found in the Flemish provinces of Antwerp, Brabant, Hainaut, and East Flanders. Designated as Speciale Belge Ale in Belgium.

Style Comparison: Similar to English pale ales but with distinct yeast character and varied malt profiles, showing less pronounced yeast expression than typical Belgian varieties.

Vital Statistics: OG: 1.048 – 1.054 | FG: 1.010 – 1.014 | IBUs: 20 – 30 | SRM: 8 – 14 | ABV: 4.8 – 5.5%

Source: BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines, bjcp.org, retrieved 2026-09-13. Vital statistics are as published; descriptive text is condensed from the published guideline.

Brewers Association designation

Style comparison

Similar Styles

Similar to English pale ales but with distinct yeast character and varied malt profiles, showing less pronounced yeast expression than typical Belgian varieties.

Ingredients

Grain Bill

Pale, character, and caramel malts without adjuncts, combined with English or continental hops and a fruity yeast with low phenols.