Strong beers are all about flavour, not just alcohol. Higher strength gives brewers more room to build layers of malt, hops and yeast character, resulting in beers that are richer, fuller-bodied and made to be sipped rather than rushed. That could mean a warming Belgian quadrupel, a bold Double IPA bursting with hops, a decadent imperial stout or a traditional barley wine packed with dried fruit, toffee and spice.

Despite the name, there's no single style that defines a strong beer. Some are sweet and malt-driven, others are dry and surprisingly easy to drink for their strength. Many continue to develop in the bottle over time, rewarding a bit of patience. They're perfect for slower evenings, sharing with friends or simply when you fancy something with a little more depth and complexity than your everyday pint.