Rating: 5/5

Quandary by River North Brewing is a 9.6%ABV Quadrupel Ale 

Label: 
A dark Belgian-style ale you can’t quite put your finger on. Neirther wholly traditional nor modern. Familiar, but unidentifiably unique. An ale to slowly ponder, seldom decipher, yet always enjoy.
___

This beer’s name is surrounded in perplexity. First, there was no head nor lacing. At 9.6% I was concerned but at the same time intrigued as I thought that maybe this beer is strong but maybe it may hide the alcohol, or it may not. The aromas were nice of the typical quads I love. Dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits, cherries, toffee, banana bread, pecans, raisins, plums, bubble gum and spices. The flavors were where it hit reminding me of the Three Philosophers but not as heavy in terms of the rich bread and full body. However, the flavors are are pretty much there like the dark cherry, dulce de leche bread, pecan pie, bananas, bubble gum, raisins, figs, plums, chocolate notes, citrus, coriander, some pears and apples. The other crazy thing, is because this is a 9.6%, with hardly any carbonation, it is surprisingly drinkable. Alcohol is way to well hidden. I think that is what defines the perplexity in the name of the beer. It is like taking the 3 philosophers and making it lighter in terms of body and some complexity but still keeping the flavor consistency but moderate. I simple terms, it is less filling even if higher ABV. I would like to call it 3 Philosophers light but the beer is actually stronger in ABV. This is not a common beer in California but if I would find it again, I would pick it up for those days I want to just drink quads with less filling 🙂 (What is this a bud commercial? lol). Has that right amount of good flavors I love of some of the best quads in the world but not too involved. Belgian lovers will definitely hit up this one. I think even people that probably don’t like heavy quads might find this appealing. Basically take in the awesome flavors while not being too overwhelming or filling.