Amber Ale

What is Belgian Amber Ale?

Belgian amber ale, or Spéciale Belge, is a top-fermented beer with an amber hue and a malty taste. It was created in Belgium as a response to the success of pilsners.

Spéciale Belge beers are rich and malty, using various types of malt, including pale ale malt, Munich and Vienna malt, wheat malt, and several caramel malt varieties.

The flavour profile exhibits toasted bread, nuts, caramel, and honey. Hopping is relatively low, with a spicy, herbal, and floral character.

Origin Story

By the early 20th century, light lager beer, particularly pilsner, had become the favourite of beer drinkers all over Europe, including Belgium. Despite the production of several pilsners in Belgium, imported beers held a significant market share.

Belgian brewers needed a popular beer of their own and began searching for a beer style to compete with imported pilsner beers. In 1905, a competition was held to find a beer that was well carbonated and fresh, had an alcohol content of about 5%, and was about one-third cheaper than pilsner. Over 70 breweries participated in the competition.

The winner of the competition was Binard Brewery with their Belge de Faleau amber ale. This style was named Spéciale Belge (translated as Belgian Special) and was soon brewed by many Belgian breweries.

Nowadays, several American craft brewers also brew the style.