This Belgian Trappist Quad which is truly world class. Nothing is overstated and everything fits perfectly together. Aroma is full of dark fruits (raisin and fig), paired with bold rum, black pepper and clove. Malt is bold with caramel and molasses, but not too cloying or sweet. Belgian yeast adds flavors of apple, pear, fig, dark fruits, and raisins which couple together with rum flavored alcohol, brown sugar, and deep caramel malts. For the finish a smokey, dry, earthy hop element levels things out with bitter and sour accents. Considering the alcohol is over 11% it drinks quite easily, but it does feel somewhat hot. Mouth feel is full, velvety, and finishes out with just a touch of dryness. The key to their success is the absolute balance found in aroma, flavor, and feel. You’ll reach the end more easily than expected or desired. This is excellent… it’s easily one of the best true Belgian quads I’ve ever tasted. It’s truly amazing. Highly recommended!

11.3%

? IBU

Rochefort, Belgium

This Belgian-style quad is a blend of 98% ale + 2% ale with cherries. Things open up with a delightful aroma packed with sweet spice ginger bread cookies and candied fruit. Sour and spice work in conjunction with one another as malt develops a dark raisin undertone with sweet candied fruit, then yeast spice settles the finish. The malt is on the border between heavily toasted and lightly roasted, delivering a complex spectrum of dark toffee, plum pudding, and rum-soaked figs. The body is creamy smooth with perfectly balanced carbonation. The feel is lighter than most quads, and has a quick rise and fall. It does a great job on the high end, but the bottom end lacks richness and leaves a tad empty in the end. I feel the flavor drops off too abruptly, leaving a vulnerable space for alcohol to come through, but the spiced solvent quality of the alcohol actually melds well with the yeast. While this is still a good beer, it lacks the character, depth, and balance found in other quads. Ommegang is typically understated and tame, low key, but on target in so many ways! This is a beer worth your time, but I really feel like it could’ve used more ‘umph.’ Recommended.

9.8%

? IBU

Cooperstown, New York

This guad pours a beautiful foamy head with good retention. It leaves a fine ring, and a lasting cover over top. It’s Pannepot but barrle aged, and vintage dated 2009.

The aroma is loaded with caramel malt, and brown sugar, combined with a mild milk chocolate undertone. Belgian yeast provides the anticipated funky, earthy quality that I’ve come to really enjoy. A dark,dry fruit, cherry, sort of fruit character tops things off so perfectly.

The flavor is stupendous, really world class. Balance is key, from malt to hops, viscosity, and alcohol. An delicate dry and creamy fusion intermingles so nicely with caramel apple, and drizzled with chocolate. Almost desert in some respects. Yeasty spices add cinammon, nutmeg, vanilla, clove, and a nutty character in a really complex form. Alcohol is expertly hidden amongst finer flaavors, and adds a clean solvent to even out the feel. Overall, it’s dominated by a raisin sweet base that helps to carry through all the finer notes. Very tasty, rich, deep, mellow, and smooth. Leaves off with a drying alcohol finish that seems to add a delicious touch on the palate.

No doubt, the Belgians know their shit. This is by far one of the best quads I’ve ever had. The regular Pannepot is great, but I think this is even better. I’m consistently impressed with this Belgian brewer, and you really should grab them up when you get the chance, it’s totally worth it. Highly recommended. Cheers!

10%

? IBU

Oostvleteren, Belgium