Rating: 5/5
Trappistes Rochefort 10 by Brasserie de Rocheffort in the Abbaye de Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy is a 11.3% ABV Belgian Quadruple fermented world class quad ale.
It’s been years… But definitely worth looking back every now and again… One of the great Belgian Trappist
Rating: 6/6
Home brewing Project#18 La SanTequilisima Quadrinidad by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 12% ABV Belgian Trappist Quadrupel brewed with Holy Water and Oak aged in Herradura Añejo Tequila.
Label:
Holy Trappist Belgian Quadruple brewed with Holy Water and Oak aged in Herradura Añejo Tequila.
A prophecy, only once told by the highest of religious leaders, has predicted The Four Nuns or Las
Quatro Monjas will return. Ancient manuscripts indicated that the Abbey Nun, The Buddhist Nun, The Shaolin Nun and the Celestial Space Nun will each bring the nectar of God as given to man once before.
This time, however, the nuns infuse the elements of Wind, Water, Fire and Earth to create a celestial nectar. Meanwhile, various religious leaders forbid that mankind ever lay their lips on the very oracle left by the nuns. Lucky for you, the nuns happen to enjoy visiting Nubis Sanctum Ales.
La SanTequilisima Quadrinidad, or The SancTequilified Quadrinity is stored in this very bottle.
Ingredients: Holy Water, Malts, Hops, Dark Belgian Candi Sugar, Turbinado Cane Sugar, French Oak, Herradura Añejo Tequila & Trappist Yeast.
==Introduction==
Project #18 came from the need to surpass my previous skills of the brewing arts. After successfully creating project #2, I wanted to create a barrel aged version of that special quadrupel that I held very close to my heart. So what did I do? I adjusted the recipe to add a bit more ingredients than before including one of them being a small sample of Holy land water. Yes, some people may think this is blasphemous, but in order to make a brew that was truly worthy of monks in Belgium and praise to the almighty God (depending on your beliefs) I added the vial to the brew at flame out. I am no priest but I did say a prayer for the brew to bring forth good fortune to those that drink it. LOL I just hope the beer doesn’t make my friend Aaron Mediola from BeerMetalDude.com catch fire (Just Kidding brother!). So the liquor I decided to use in this project was a Tequila. Why Tequila? Well, two reasons. First, tequila barrel aged brews rule and are to come by and second, after The Lost Abbey made Agave Maria which was their Tequila Barrel aged brew, I decided it was perfect. The beer was going to be about nuns and their worship to God. It was also a crazy idea I really wanted to do. Why is it Project# 18? Well, I had made this brew back in February 2016 and after a month, I put it on the Tequila oak for 6 months. The Tequila was sitting in oak since January 2016 so 2+6, that’s 8 months! Essentially, the 12% ABV was something unexpected but my working with Turbinado and Candi sugars probably had a lot to do with it. Regardless, I bottled it last month and now October 6, 2016 I bring it forth for a review. Yes, the brew will be published at a later date on my site but for perspective purposes and logging this masterpiece I want to get it right. So, for being a quadrupel aged in tequila, I hope is nothing short of amazing and knowing that I can definitely make an awesome brew, I will be pursuing more projects soon like this. Stay tuned, but for now, let’s take a look at this celestial nectar. Cheers!
Aromas:
Tequila notes, oak, Dark fruits of plums, raisins, figs, cherries, bubble gum notes, clove spice, raspberry Chambord hints, Stone fruits, Bananas, Brown sugar, Belgian Candi sugar, Chocolate, Sangria, rice pudding, tamarind, marshmallows, chocolate smores, lechugilla agave nectar, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, Danish cream, port wine, fruit cake, leathery hints, apples and butterscotch.
Flavors:
Rich Dulce De Leche Caramel, Grilled Bananas, Deep Dark fruits, plums, raisins, figs, dark cherries, dates, clove spice, Belgian Candi sugar, bubble gum notes, capirotada Mexican raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, sweetened condensed milk, tamarind,Vanilla, Oak, Marshmallows, Tequila, Mezcal, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Sangria Wine grapes, Mexican pan dulce, Danish cream, rock candy, port wine, leather notes, rye bread, pecan pie, hazelnut hints, pecan ice cream, brown sugar, dragon fruit notes, raspberry Chambord hints, Stone fruit peaches, golden apples, flan, funnel cake, waffle cone, mango notes and butterscotch.
Aftertaste:
Finishes with a Tequila and vanilla oak flavors with so much complexity lingering of the rich dark fruits, caramel, pecan pie, flan, sweetened condensed milk, sangria, agave, stone fruit, funnel cake and mild Danish cream. Slightly boozy in the aftertaste but diminishes as the beer gets warmer and does not detract from the flavors. Full bodied Honey Crimson Colored, Smooth, velvety, creamy, chewy and syrupy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability
Overall:
Nothing short of a miracle. I am very proud of these results. The Tequila takes this brew to another level. I do not give this one a 7/7 since it is not a beer you could find, but trust me when I say you could drink some of my brews. To me, it is my own personal bucket lister in the sense that I really feel I have achieved so much just from trying different beers and now trying to make my own different beers. This one is probably the best one I have ever made along with the Sangrileche Stout, Frontier Tropics and Diablita De Leche Banana Weizenbock. This beer screams some godly ambrosia. Some nectar that even I don’t understand. I can definitely feel proud that if those dudes at Westvleteren or St. Bernardus tried my beer, they would definitely find it indistinguishable from some of their greats!
Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach, KOS-MOS from Xenosaga, Temari Sabakuno from Naruto and Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill make a return in this brew. Since I used them in my Project# 2, Las Quadtro Monjas, it was only fair to get them in the somewhat right attire for nuns they represent. They represent my passion for the work that I do. Reviewing and Brewing. These girls have been my favorite characters from the different anime series that I love for the longest time going way back to the year 2002. Being a big anime fan and the shows I like, complementing the beers I love with different characters doesn’t have the same effect as the way I complement using my top favorites. AS I mentioned in the last review of the original base beer, the name Las Quad-tro is a play on the Belgian word for Quadrupel and Cuatro which is 4. La SanTequilisima Quadrinidad is a play on the words for La Santisima Trinidad or The Holy Trinity. I had worked for a couple weeks not only finding the right combinations of artwork in photo-shop but the right backgrounds. Of course, all the artwork belongs to the perspective owner as I do not claim any art. As I mentioned before too, the 4 girls are the best and the ones I use as my mascots for my whole passion of anime and the best beers in this whole lost treasures of taste and experience. Cheers!
Rating: 7/7
4 Fourth Anniversary by Figueroa Mountain is an 11% ABV Belgian Quadrupel brewed with figs and aged in oak barrels.
Label:
The number 4 is powerful and prevalent. For our fourth anniversary, it was apropos to brew a Belgian-style Abbey Quadrupel for the special occasion Crafted in the traditional style of Trappist monastery breweries. This massive dark ale was aged in oak barrels with figs an ancient and sacred fruit. We look forward to the infinite possibilities for Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company as the sensors pass and the phases of the moon come full circle.
==Introduction==
It has been a while I tried a Figueroa Mountain brewing beer. I do believe the last one I tried from them was their 2nd Anniversary Grand cru. That beer was very delicious but when I saw this one, I was very excited. They took a quadruple and aged it with figs in oak barrels. I was unable to find information to see if this one had oak sitting in a particular spirit. Anyway, quadrupels are some of my favorite types of beers. There is a special place in my heart for the style so anytime I see one, I have to try it at least and if I can, bring it to the website. I usually compare it to St. Bernardus 12abt, best quad ever! (To me). Fortunately, I was able to bring this one here but let’s see how this one does. Cheers!
Aromas:
Massive dark fruits figs, dates, plums, prunes, currants blackberries, pomegranates, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cranberries, bananas, clove spice, grilled plantains, port wine, sherry, rich fruit cake, stone fruit peach, apricots, mango, brown sugar, dark candi sugar, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon hints, piloncillo sugar cone, flan, cinnamon, ginger bread, sweetened condensed milk with mixed berries and milk chocolate.
Flavors:
Super Rich Dark fruit raisins, figs, dates, plums, prunes, currants blackberries, pomegranates, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cranberries, dark candi sugar, rock candy, toasted bread with mixed berry preserves, Capirotada Mexican bread pudding, figgy pudding, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate raisinettes, cherry cordials, tangerine preserves, orange notes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, oak, bourbon hints, piloncillo sugar cone, flan, cinnamon, ginger bread, coriander spice, sweetened condensed milk with mixed berries, Mixed Berry yogurt, rich mixed berry cheese cake, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, clove spice, grilled plantains, port wine, sherry, rich fruit cake, pecan pie, stone fruit peach, apricots and mango.
Aftertaste:
Finishes with super massive barrage of rich dark fruit and mixed fruit flavors, oak, bourbon vanilla, marshmallow smores, dark chocolate, earthy notes and rich dark candi sugar. No alcohol in the taste, bloody crimson body, smooth, cream, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.
Overall:
I have no fucking idea what makes this quad so damn exceptional ridiculous. This quad is probably the highest grade I have given a quadrupel if not for the St. Bernardus 12 ABT Apple Brandy oak aged. Essentially this Quadrupel is a super damn dark fruit in your face quad with so much variants of fruit and delicious caramels and vanilla I have not seen in a while since Mikkeller’s raspberry quad. I am sure enjoying the hell out of this brew for damn sure and definitely recommend you highly get this one.
Anime Corner:
Super Saiyan Son Bra from Dragon Ball Multiverse is the daughter of Vegito (Fusion of Goku and Vegeta) from the universe where Vegito never unfused. She was used in this pairing to go with colors of the label but also the dark fruits and supreme complexity that this beer provides. A quadruple to be reckon with only pairs some of the best characters and Son Bra was the best one to use in this instance.
Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/wQZySjx.jpg
Rating: 5/5
Apocalypse by Save The World brewing is a 9% ABV A Wild Belgian Quadruple with Brettanomyces.
Label:
Our quad is a tasteful spin on the monastic quadrupel ale. the aroma and flavors are a complex balance between dark fruits and sweet malts with traces of chocolate and caramelized sugar. It is full bodied with hints of brett and warmth. Savor this deep and flavorful ale now and later! Try pairing with hearty roasted or grilled meat dishes, aged cheeses, and a variety of desserts.
==Introduction==
Thanks to my friend Aaron at BeerMetalDude.com for sharing this brew with me. This is the first beer I try from Save The World brewing of Marble Falls, Texas. I love Belgian Quadruples and they are one of my favorite styles. My first brew plunge into the homebrewing complexity to making a more complex beer other than simple extract was a Belgian Quadruple which many people enjoyed and it was one of the ones that I really worried over, spent time taking care to make sure it wasn’t a disaster. So yeah, Quads are an essential part of me when it comes to beers. A Quad with Brettanomyces though, that is something I have never heard of before. I have tried a sour quad before but not one with brett. In the back of my mind, I think this definitely major potential to be something unique, so let’s see how it goes with this, Cheers!
Aromas:
Stone fruits peaches, peppercorns, floral notes of hibiscus, lavender, Belgian Candy sugar, bananas, clove spice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, dark fruit plums, figs, dates, raisins, currants, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, coriander spice, brown sugar, citrus and farmhouse hay.
Flavors:
Rich meld of Dark fruit plums, figs, dates, raisins, currants, Stone fruits peaches, Belgian Candy sugar, bananas, clove spice, toffee, dulce de leche caramel, chocolate, vanilla, oak, Funky notes, farmhouse hay, brettanomyces funk, wine grapes, old oranges, peppercorns, floral notes of hibiscus, lavender, mango, guava, pineapple, sour apples, pecan pie, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, coriander spice, brown sugar, turbinado sugar, sugar cane, honey dew melon and dragon fruit.
Aftertaste:
Finishes with funky forward notes, dark fruit, stone fruits, caramel, chocolate, funky brett, wine grapes, old oranges, citrus and floral notes. No alcohol in the taste, Hazy golden brown full body, smooth, creamy, effervescent and slightly chewy mouthfeel with a moderate to sipping drinkability.
Overall:
Who knew a quad could taste so complex and different when introducing some wild strain of brettanomyces into the mix. You get the aspects of Dark fruit complexity meeting the funky bretty, citrus and stone fruit flavors from like a saison and well, you have a perfectly unique beer. I really enjoyed this one big time and would gladly have it again. If you live in Texas, this should be a major on your list especially if you love both Belgian Quads and Saisons.
Anime Corner:
Terra/Tina Branford and the entire cast of Final Fantasy 6 were used in this pairing to go with the aspect of saving the world but mainly apocalypse. The FF6 series was a very awesome series showing something that happened in their world that was apocalyptic and it was up to the few to stand up in arms against evil. They literally saved the world. Terra is essentially the main protagonist and a total bad ass with her wielding Atma Weapon which essentially is a lightsaber. This picture doesn’t have the weapon but I have yet to find such a bad ass picture of Terra though. So I went with this one.
Rating: 5.75/6
Bourbon Barrel Aged 7 Swans-A-Swimming by The Bruery is an 11% ABV Belgian Quadruple aged in Bourbon Barrels.
Label:
WÆS HÆIL!
The Seventh Verse of Our Twelve Days of Christmas series of beers showcases the rich, malty character of a Belgian-style Quadrupel. Happy Holidays.
Bourbon Barrel Aged 7 Swans-A-Swimming is suitable for aging up to 5 years (soon after the release of 12 Drummers Drumming) when cellared properly.
==Introduction==
This special release of the 7 Swans-A-Swimming was released to the Reserve and Hoarders Society. Essentially, they release a barrel aged version of their previous year’s Christmas ale and release it in the current year. To get this, you will have to trade or find a place to get it online. Mainly a collectibles page. While the original was awesome, now a barrel aged version sounds like it can take it to the next level. The way stuff goes for my favorite style, the Belgian Dark Strong and Quads but also the way it goes with barrel aged beers, they sure elevate things to the next level. So let’s see if that is true, cheers!
Aromas:
Vanilla, Oak, Bourbon notes, dark fruits like raisins, figs, dates, plums, dark cherries, currants, blueberries, Dulce de leche caramel, marshmallows, anise, molasses, licorice, rock candy, candi sugar, Rhubarb pie, toasted coconut, macaroons, brown sugar, port wine, bananas, clove spice.
Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like raisins, figs, dates, plums, dark cherries, currants, blueberries, oak, bourbon, marshmallows, anise, molasses, licorice, rock candy, dark candi sugar, rocky road ice cream, fruit cake, brown sugar, bananas, clove spice, raspberry cobbler, vanilla, all spice, ginger bread cookies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pecan pie, Rhubarb ice cream, nutmeg, hazelnut nectar, toasted coconut, macaroons, rye bread, port wine and crème brulee
Aftertaste:
Lots of dark fruit, caramel, spices, dulce de leche, fruit cake, bourbon, oak, pecan pie, hazel nut, marshmallows and coconut hints. No alcohol in the taste, Brown to crimson medium to full body, smooth to silky mouthfeel yet a sipping drinkability.
Overall:
Definitely more exceptional than the original. This was expected but after trying it, I knew for sure this was the case. Lots more complex flavors stand out with the aging of the bourbon. More Dark fruit and delicious pecan pie and coconut from the few I had mentioned before. If you do happen to get it, I am sure you will enjoy it. Cheers!
Anime Corner:
Hatsune Miku and the Vocaloid Team was used in this pairing as I wanted to do 7 characters but also in the sense of swimming, they definitely are swimming in a sea of chaos as they seem to be on the hunt for something important but also trying to survive and keep their heads afloat. Some dangers present themselves nearby. May not be Christmas like but the purpose of this beer for Christmas is to bring people together and it seems like 7 characters together is just the trick to do it. Together they will survive another day. The flavor complexities of the beer, the colors of the labels and the aspect of staying together like a flock of swans are surely displayed in this pairing.
Sources:
http://img07.deviantart.net/e14c/i/2015/044/4/5/_fanart_evillious_chronicles_by_doblemjwn-d8hsg0d.jpg
http://static.zerochan.net/Vocaloid.full.1881300.jpg
Rating: 7/5 * A bucket list beer, just saying 😛
St. Bernardus Abt 12 Oak Aged by Brouwerij St. Bernardus is an 11% ABV Belgian Quadrupel Aged in Oak Calvados (Apple Brandy) Barrels
Label:
Brewery St. Bernardus was founded in 1946 in Watou, Province of West Flanders in Belgium.
St. Bernardus Abt 12 is Brewery St. Bernardus’ flagship and is considered as one the best beers in the world. The Abt 12 is brewed following the original recipe from 1946.
This St. Bernardus Abt 12 Oak Aged is brewed using the same recipe and then matured for 6 months in oak Calvados barrels before it is bottle coditioned. This maturation in oak kegs gives the beer a deeper and richer taste, leaving the palate remarkbly satisfied and thirsty for more.
“Bringing Heavenly nectar within reach”
Serve this noble and wonderfully balanced brown ale at 53-56° F in a goblet glass to best enjoy its delicate bouquet.
==Introduction==
Never did I ever think that St. Bernardus would step up their game and release a barrel aged version of their Quad. Not just any barrel either, but the Calvados Apple Brandy barrel. Beers that usually are aged in these barrel jump 100 times the price of the original beer. Good thing this one just doubled the price. By that I mean it is still pricey as hell ranging anywhere from 25-30$ for a 750ml bottle. I didn’t care. I just just didn’t care as unlike any beer from the past, the St. Bernardus is a beer that always held a special place in my heart as it was my favorite when I first started trying different beers as early as 2010 and to this day I can always go back and say it is still my favorite despite the fact that there are others like the Weekday Bruery beers that are levels above it, it still don’t matter. Even after trying the Heady Toppers, the Dark Lords, even the Westvleteren 12… still didn’t matter… Abt 12 was my beer along with Trois Pistoles and Three Philosophers and others… So you can see the fact that this exist must be testament to my resolve not only as a reviewer but for myself and what I truly love and even to my first quadruple that I personally made… Cheers from this is like Cheers of the Heavens!
Aromas:
Rich Dulce de leche caramel Apple pie, Brandy oak, vanilla, Goat milk caramel, marshmallows, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, tamarind, stone fruit peaches, apricots, peach cobbler, mango, pie crust, Dark Candi sugars, Belgian Bread, Danish cream, Rock Candy, figgy pudding, piloncillo sugar cone,Bananas, plantains, clove spice, bubble gum notes, raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, cinnamon, flan, Mexican sweetened condensed milk, Red Apples, Golden Apples, Caramel apples, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, cherry pie and burnt brown sugar.
Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, Goat milk Caramel, piloncillo sugar cone, vanilla, oak, marshmallows, Dark fruit plums, raisins, prunes, cherries, figs, dates, wine grapes, raspberry chambord, tamarind, Bananas, plantains, clove spice, bubble gum notes, raisin bread pudding, rice pudding, cinnamon, flan, Mexican sweetened condensed milk, Red Apples, Golden Apples, Caramel apples, Brandy, Port wine, chardonay, stone fruit peaches, apricots, peach cobbler, pie crust, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, cherry pie, dragon fruit, passion fruit, old mangoes, honey dew melon, butterscotch, chocolate notes, tangerine preserves, tobacco, leather, anise, grilled funnel caramel cake, Dark Candi sugars, Belgian Bread, Danish cream, Rock Candy, figgy pudding, Rich caramel Apple Pie goodness with vanilla cake and more.
Aftertaste:
Lingering Apple Pie, dark fruits, stone fruits, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, flan, sweetened condensed milk, Apple brandy, port wine, Danish cream, leather, rye and mild chocolate lingers. No alcohol in the taste, smooth, silky, syrupy and creamy mouthfeel, Dark Golden Brown medium body and a moderate to sipping drinkability.
Overall:
No surprise why this version of one of my favorite (commonly available) beers in the world is simply another one I needed to add to my bucket list of beers. The original St. Bernardus was my inspiration for making the original quad I made a couple of months back as it was one of my favorites in the world while started trying different craft beers along with Trois Pistoles, Three Philosphers and many delicious others. This version is something that really took it above the heaven into that “Ambrosia of the Gods” status. I really didn’t care about the price, I really wanted to bring this one for a review ever since its announcement and I finally did it! I think the whole Calvados/Apple Brandy aspect is what really did it here taking this liquid caramel into an Apple Pie beer goodness. Who knows what will happen to this in … 15 years!
Anime Corner:
Temari Sabakuno from Naruto, Kos-Mos from Xenosaga, Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill, Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach as being my favorite anime characters always get the best pairings in some of the beers I truly feel are deserving of that ‘Heavenly and Godly Ambrosia’ Liquid status as with many of the beers I have tried, I have used them in the previous St. Bernardus Abt 12 review except with the introduction of my recent favorite girl, Ryuko Matoi. Like I said before, the original version of this beer was my world favorite, my desire, my love and passion that became my favorite style of beer and today, the fruit of my labor with my homebrew ‘Las Quad-tro Monjas’. Yes indeed, I don’t have to explain much about this and long time readers can already infer why I choose them. The greatest of the greats.
My Beer Homebrew Project #2 Review. Cheers!
Rating: 5/5
Las Quadtro Monjas by Nubis Sanctum Ales is a 10% ABV Belgian Trappist Quadrupel.
Label:
Kept in the dark for many years, the Four Nuns or Las Quatro Monjas appear each presenting an unforeseen treasure that was hidden from ancient time itself. Legend has it that these treasures were ingredients that were bestowed by the almighty God himself. The ingredients were thrown into a brew kettle by the nuns and made into a holy nectar. A recipe practiced by holy monks today. Folklore has it that some of the original nectar has passed the test of time, passed on through the ages and has seeped into this very bottle…
Las Quad-tro Monjas is a Belgian Trappist Quadruple Ale made in the style like the monks do in the Belgian Monastaries. They devote their lives to good faith and making good holy beers. This homebrew project started as a dream that became reality with a lot of devotion, patience, care and love. Conditioning for 1 month after fermentation, this beer will cellar for several years if kept in a dark and cool location. A beer that is strong in alcohol yet sweet and complex.
Ingredients: Water, malts, hops, Belgian Candi sugar, cane sugar and trappist yeast .
==Introduction==
The time has come… My dream of creating a Belgian Quadruple is finally here. First brewed in January 24th 2015, Racked in Secondary Februrary 14th 2015 and Bottled March 14th 2015 the brew is finally ready for the test. To this date, as I mentioned in the label description, it was my dream to someday make this style of beer and after so long, I finally did it. It does give a surreal and proud feeling knowing that something you always wished you could do, and with hard work, it can actually come to fruition. I always wanted to make this type of beer style, the Belgian Quadruple, ever since I started trying different beers. With a lot of patience, love and care, Now it is finally here! The best part is that this will mature for years well like a fine wine. For being my most complex beer to date, I have to analyze it as best as possible and hopefully the recipe will improve or I will make again next time. Cheers!
Aromas:
Rich bananas, clove spice, Rich dark fruit plums, raisins, figs, dates, black cherries, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, dark black cherries, peaches, pears, vanilla, toffee, anise hints, molasses, port wine hints, pecan pie, flan hints, brown sugar, rock candy and Belgian dark candi sugar.
Flavors:
Dulce de leche caramel, dark fruits like black cherries, raisins, plums, figs, dates, leather hints, cinnamon hints, flan hints, peaches, pears, vanilla, butterscotch, toffee, chocolate notes, pecan pie, buttery Mexican pan dulce, Danish cream, rock candy, Belgian candi sugar, port wine, raspberry chambord, apples, rye bread, anise, molasses, blackberry preserves, dragon fruit hints, brown sugar and butter pecan ice cream.
Aftertaste:
Rich dark fruits and dulce de leche caramel linger with a slight sweet port wine and earthyness. Very small and slight hints of booze but are covered up by the sugary Belgian notes and dark fruit sweetness. Dark crimson body, moderate to sipping drinkability, velvety,syrupy and bold mouthfeel with a very rich and smoothness.
Overall:
As the beer warms up, the flavors evolve into some very rich and even more complex flavors giving way to the velvety notes I mentioned earlier. I really don’t know what to say. So many people really loved this beer to where many thought I added actual plums, peaches and bananas to it. Others thought it was so subtle like a gentle wine. I myself taking my time with it, the only thing was that it was low carbonated but even then this beer was something so amazing entirely I was stunned to make such a perfection that I kind of teared up a little bit. I was so damn paranoid working so closely to my experimental recipe, making sure the beer was always watched always worrying about it like it was my baby and here it is. My first attempt at a quad to mimic some of the best Belgian strong darks and quads out there and it was just… perfect….not overpowering, enough sweet and complexity to make even the lightest palates enjoy. I think based on the results, I will definitely make it again in the near future. Now I know what the monks feel when being so damn dedicated. Definitely feel proud of how far I have made it with this.
Anime Corner:
Yoruichi Shihouin from Bleach, KOS-MOS from Xenosaga, Temari Sabakuno from Naruto and Ryuko Matoi from Kill La Kill were used in this pairing as well as the label to represent the beer but also my passion for the work that I do. These girls have been my favorite characters from the different anime series that I love for the longest time going way back to the year 2002. Being a big anime fan and the shows I like, complementing the beers I love with different characters doesn’t have the same effect as the way I complement using my top favorites. But why the Belgian Quad and why them you ask? Well, it works so perfectly. The name Las Quad-tro is a play on the Belgian word for Quadrupel and Cuatro which is 4. I already have 4 of my favorite girls and an artwork I had done back in 2007 with colors of the Belgian Abbeys and monasteries, it was only a matter of time before I made the label with them four as my first Quadruple ale. They are the best and the ones I use as my mascots for my whole passion of anime and the best beers in this whole lost treasures of taste and experience. Cheers!
Rating: 6/5
Firestone XVIII Anniversary Ale by Firestone Walker is a 13% ABV World Class Strong Multi-liquor Barrel Aged Style Hybrid Blend Ale.
Description: (Please Click On The Strategy Guide/Letter From Firestone Walker)
38% Parabola (bourbon barrel aged Russiant imperial stout),
16% Helldorado (bourbon and brandy barrel aged blond barleywine),
16% Bravo (bourbon and brandy barrel aged brown ale),
14% Stickee Monkey (bourbon and brandy barrel aged quad),
5% Velvet Merkin (bourbon barrel aged oatmeal stout),
4% Hydra Cuvée (a blend too much of a mouthful to describe here),
3% Wookey Jack (black IPA),
2% Ol’ Leghorn (English barleywine, collaboration with Three Floyds, aged in fresh barrels),
2% Double Jack (Double IPA)
==Introduction==
It has been an awesome year for Firestone Walker beers and with the release of their 18th one, they add some new beers into their final blend. As with every year, this one comes with the strategy guide to basically see if you can figure out what’s what. While this is a difficult task, I try to write down as much as I can and see what new flavors this one is composed of versus the previous releases. It really does not matter sometimes as they have all beer exceptionally world class beers. Yes, don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself. Cheers!
Aromas:
Rich oak, vanilla, flan, bourbon, maple syrup, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgium chocolate, German chocolate, ferrero rocher chocolate, toasted coconut, almond joy, dulce de leche caramel, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow smores, oreo cookies, cookies and cream, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough, cocada coconut candy, pilloncillo sugar cone, choco flan, dark fruits like currants, raisins, prunes, raspberry, cherries, currants, blackberries, capirotada raisin bread pudding, anise, molasses, brownies, brown sugar, bananas, clove spice hints, mocha, tres leches/three milks cake, dragon fruit, tangerine, pineapple hints and more!
Flavors:
Very strong oak barrel forward character, rich vanilla, bourbon, toasted coconut, almond joy, dulce de leche caramel, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow smores, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgium chocolate, German chocolate, ferrero rocher chocolate, pralines, cookies and cream, oreo cookies, oatmeal cookies, cookie dough, flan, cinnamon hints, brown sugar, hazelnut, macademia nuts, cocada coconut candy, piloncillo sugar cone, dragon fruit, mango hints, pineapple hints, sweetened condensed milk, port wine, maple syrup, dark fruit currants, raisins, prunes, raspberry, cherries, currants, blackberries, capirotada raisin bread pudding, anise, molasses, brownies, brown sugar, bananas, clove spice hints, leather, tobacco, waffle cone, peaches and cream, pecan pie, candi sugars, rock candy, choco flan, espresso, mocha, toffee, tres leches/three milks cake, tangerine and more!
Aftertaste:
Port wine, dark chocolate, maple syrup, dark fruits, rocky road ice cream, oatmeal and oreo cookies, oak, vanilla, coconut, mango, chocolate chips and marshmallow smores with earthy hop notes finish at the end. No alcohol in the taste, Smooth and silky mouthfeel, dangerously easy to drink but should be handled as a sipper and crimson yet pitch black body.
Overall:
Exceptionally great. Each release more awesome than the last. I really think this one is the best one by far. If aged, it will will definitely do wonders I am sure. This one seems to have richer flavors which I am sure were due to the addition of the Three Floyds collab and the Hydra Cuvee as well as the Stickee Monkee, Velvet Merkin and Parabola. This beer is insane and it will only get more insane as time goes on. If you can still find this goodie, definitely get it. It is one of the best!
Anime Corner:
Asuka Langley/Shikinami Sohrty, Rei Ayanami, Haruko Haruhara, and many others from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Fooly Cooly (FLCL) were used in this pairing to represent some of the blends represented by this beer. It is something I have done in the past with this series of Anniversary beers. This was a great pic because not only does it show case the colors of potential ingredients used but also how each flavor tries to out do the other. Also, Haruko was used in a previous Three Floyds collaboration this year (Rue D’Floyd) which represented her wacky aspect as “Not Normal”. The addition of Firestone and Three Floyd’s collab beer into this one made it so she can be in this pairing as well. What a bad ass!. Also, Asuka and Rei have been seen in pairings like Firestone’s Double Jack so they are definitely in the right pairing here too.
Sources:
http://articleimage.nicoblomaga.jp/image/64/2013/f/f/ffd9f7487115ef5bb2d6b22dedcca9f69c75e5641373178280.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/full/39691
Rating: 5/5
Gregorius Trappistenbier by Stift Engelszell is a 9.7% ABV Belgian Trappist Quadrupel
Description:
The first bottles of beer which, since 1 June 2012 The first Variety called Gregorius and is a dark triple with 9.7 vol% Alc. available in 0.33 liter bottles.
With honey
==Introduction==
So many Trappist Monasteries have been brewing up across the world and many have become legendary holding that Trappist Beer emblem of beer Holy legends. Ambrosia of gods literally. Who best to brew the ambrosia of god than that of the Monks in Belgium and other monasteries across the world. This monastery was added back in 2012 as part of the Trappist elite. Today, 10 monasteries hold that emblem with pride. This is the first time I have been able to try the Stift Engelszell Gergorius and bring it forth to the site. I have had it before at Congregation Ale house in Long Beach California but when I found it in Total Wine of Redondo Beach California, I had to bring it to the table. So here we have it, another legend of the many who have bared the name Trappist! Cheers!
Aromas:
Rich dark fruit raisins, plums figs, cherries, prunes, currants, raspberries, dulce de leche caramel, flan hints, leather, marshmallow,stone fruit peaches, apricots, lychee, apples, brown sugar, toffee, piloncillo sugar cone, hazelnut, pecan pie, cinnamon, grape preserves and port wine hints.
Flavors:
Rich dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, cherries, prunes, raspberries, dulce de leche caramel, marshmallow, vanilla, flan, bananas, clove spice, brown sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, pecans, cinnamon, hazelnut, rich apples, stone fruit peaches, leather notes, toasted sweet bread with grape preserves, port wine hints, pecan pie, milk chocolate, anise, molasses, oak, chocolate cake and sweetened condensed milk Lechera hints.
Aftertaste:
Dark fruits prunes, raisins, pecan pie, linger, caramel, apples, earthy notes and vanilla. No alcohol in the taste, full brown body, sipping drinkability, medium and creamy mouthfeel.
Overall:
A perfect trappist beer! It’s strongest feature is the dark fruit and stone fruit forward flavos along with the apple and caramel. This beer is pretty close to the ranks of Achel Trappist and Westy 12 as each focuses on all the quad or some of the quad aspect so perfectly. This one makes its entry as being the most stone fruit forward of quads in the selections. If you Belgian beers, Quads and the Trappists beers for what they represent, then you will find this one to be rich and delicious as well. Definitely worth a pick up.
Anime Corner:
Ignis from Jingai Makyo was used in this pairing as I wanted to use a bad ass character to represent the monasteries like I have with other Trappist beer pairings but at the same time something that relates to them. That is, the holy and God aspect of beers. Heavenly really but at the same time her colors while white as a bride/Nun yet a warrior of God, like a monks, she represents also the dark and lighter stone fruit forwards of the beer as I described earlier. Seems like she can be the best candidate of representing what holy Trappist beers are all about.
Sources:
http://www.zerochan.net/full/720052
Rating: 5.35/5
7 Swans A Swimming by The Bruery is an 11% ABV Belgian Quadruple.
Label:
WÆS HÆIL!
The Seventh Verse of Out Twelve Days of Christmas series of beers showcases the rich, malty character of a Belgian-style quadrupel. Happy Holidays.
7 Swans-A-Swimming is suitable for aging up to 5 years (soon after the release of 12 Drummers Drumming) when cellared properly.
___
The Bruery has recently released their latest Christmas beer to the public and should be hitting many locations publicly where they sell The Bruery beers. I was unable to see if there was any special ingredients used in this beer to make it unique from the last aside from being a Belgian Quad. I love Belgian Quads so typically, these beers fit the Christmas or Holiday times. Overall, this set of Twelve days of Christmas beers have been very good overall but I would definitely like to see what this one is about. So let us take a look, cheers!
Aromas:
Pure dark fruit ll over the place with raisins, plums, figs, currants, raspberries, dark cherries, blueberries, prunes, dulce de leche caramel, anise, molasses, licorice, oats, blueberry muffins, port wine hints, pecan pie, dark candi sugars, rock candy, dark chocolate, flan, spicy nutmeg, toffee, banana and clove spice.
Flavors:
Rich dark fruit like raisins, plums, figs, currants, blueberries raspberries, dark cherry yogurt, grapes, dulce de leche caramel, dark candi sugars, rock candy, licorice, anise, molasses, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cherry cordial, spicy nutmeg, toffee, butterscotch, brown sugar, clove spice, bananas, flan, cinnamon, all spice, vanilla, oatmeal, blueberry muffins, maple, bananas, clove spice, rye, port wine, pecan pie and Rhubarb ice cream.
Aftertaste:
Deep dark fruits like cherries, raspberries, grapes, nutmeg, cinnamon, dulce de leche, and pecan pie hints left over. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full body, smooth to silky mouthfeel yet a sipping drinkability.
Overall:
A perfect Quad with deep complexity and rich flavors. This one definitely reminded me of the Apophatic or at least one like the one Monkish brewing had a while back. Rich with a bigger dose of dark fruit that the previous beers have not shown. More of a dark fruit complexity forward character for sure while still reminding you that his is a quadrupel after all. Some of the Christmas spices are there as a means of support to remind you of what great Holiday ales are all about. It is not the biggest beer in the series but it definitely is up there with the best. Definitely get 2 to savor one now and another for the 12th release!
Anime Corner:
Hatsune Miku and the Vocaloid Team was used in this pairing as I wanted to do 7 characters but also in the sense of swimming, they definitely are swimming in a sea of chaos as they seem to be on the hunt for something important but also trying to survive and keep their heads afloat. Some dangers present themselves near by. May not be Christmas like but the purpose of this beer for Christmas is to bring people together and it seems like 7 characters together is just the trick to do it. Together they will survive another day. The flavor complexities of the beer, the colors of the labels and the aspect of staying together like a flock of swans are surely displayed in this pairing.
Rating: 5/5
The Reverend by Avery Brewing is a 10% ABV Belgian Quadrupel
Label:
The Holy Trinity of Ales
The reverend is a divinely complex and beautifully layered creation with hints of dark cherries, currants, and molasses, complimented by an underlying spiciness and a sinfully smooth 10% ALC/VOL.
Brewed with Rocky Mountain Water, Malted Barley. Imported Belgian Specialty malted barley, dark Belgian candy sugar, hops and yeast.
___
So I finally promised myself to get a bottle of this as when I first tried it at Uncle Henry’s earlier in the year, I said I would. So, even after passing it up several times for other beers, I finally got it to bring it forward for a review here at the site. This is a great beer that is served year round. While I personally think, leave it to Belgium, this one is on top of the greatest representatives of the Belgian Quad Style. Cheers!
Aromas:
Dark fruits like raisins, plums, rich dark cherries, figs, plums, currants, belgian candy sugar, phenolic notes, clove spice, banana hints, almonds, chocolate, dulce de leche caramel, hints of hazelnut, rich rye, citrus, tobacco hints, molasses and brown sugar.
Flavors:
Lots of dark fruits, raisins, figs, currants, rich dark cherries, plums, citrus, cinnamon, clove spice, rye bread, vanilla caramel, oats, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, Belgian candy sugar, Rock candy sugar, bananas, phenolic yeast, hazelnut, pecan notes, honey, tobacco hints, almonds, hints of chocolate, apples, toffee, grapes and raisin bread pudding.
Aftertaste:
Dark fruit, earthy spice, dulce de leche, almond, pecan, rye bread, earthy and clove spice notes.
Alcohol sweetness in the taste mainly but nothing detracting from the overall beer. Smooth and a bit syrupy mouth feel even for a sipping drink character with a medium to full body on an dark amber brown color. Dangerous beer.
Overall:
A perfect quad. This beer is a major reminiscent to the Surly Seviin. Definitely a lot of Belgian Candy sugar forward, with the dark fruits and rye bread mixing in but the bitterness comes from a mix of earthy and somewhat subtly citrusy notes. This quad is very enjoyable and it is a year round serving by Avery. I would definitely recommend this one for a try for sure.
Anime Corner:
Original character by jname was used in this pairing since I wanted to pair with the reverend. In the past, quads have always been paired with the like colors of dark fruits whether reds, purples or pinks. The power she holds in her hands is the power of the dark fruit reverend. Her dress signifies the complex Belgian flavors as well as rich candy sugars and caramels. The background is close to those of the Abbeys of Belgium paying a special tribute like that of the label, She is the Reverend possessing the power of God and will to do good in the beer world. Blessed be thy beers!
Rating: 5.2/5
Stochasticity Project QUADROTRITICALE by Stone Brewing is a 9.3% ABV Belgian Quadrupel brewed with triticale grain.
Label:
STOCHASTICITY
STO-KAESTI-CITY
There is no happenstance or coincidence. Dumb luck is a fallacy and randomness a commonly accepted mistruth. Much of what seemingly falls into place and seems so natural is a result of Stochasticity, a concept embraced and exalted by this special and unpredictable series of beers, where exotic notions, ingredients and ideas coalesce at an interesting and often unexpected endpoint.
Stone Stochasticity Project QUADROTRITICALE
Trappist ales as we know them have a proud lineage dating back nearly a century. Rather than follow the footsteps of the monks who forged the quadrupel—the warmest and darkest of monastery offerings—we aimed to test its inherent makeup. In doing so, we added triticale, a hybrid grain combining the pleasant flavor of wheat with the elemental durability and spice of rye, to breathe new life into the malt bill. Because of this, this reimagined brew comes across differently than its classic Belgian predecessors, and beautifully so. Lower in sweetness, but rich with flavors mirroring dried fruit, it’s a modern interpretation of one of the most historically sacred styles on Earth.
Malt Varieties – Pilsner Malt & Flaked Triticale
Belgian Yeast – Ardennes Strain
Special Ingredients – Dark Candi Sugar
___
A Stone Quadruple?! YES PLEASE!! I never say no to my quads, on of my favorite styles of Belgian beers. This guy I picked up at Ramirez Liquors on Olympic Blvd near Downtown in East LA. Something tells me I really will enjoy this. I am not sure If I have had a Quad with Triticale, but let’s see how this one goes. Now I have never had this grain, at least to my knowledge but it was something that was used in Stone Vertical Epic 10.10.10. A fun note for the Star Trek fans was that quadrotriticale was the name of a 4 leaf clover hybrid grain composing of wheat and rye which was used in the episode “The Trouble with Tribbles” and also had a blueish color. This one you can definitely get as it will see national distribution. So yeah, come get this one and cheers!
Aromas:
Bananas, Clove spice, bubble gum, dark fruit raisins, currants, plums, figs, dates, rye bread, herbal notes, peppercorns, molasses, papaya, dark cherries, Belgian chocolate, candi sugars, brown sugar, coriander, anise, nutmeg and kiwis.
Flavors:
Rich Bananas and dulce de leche caramel, rye bread, notes of Belgian yeast phenolics, Dark fruits like raisins, figs, plums, raisin bread pudding, grapes, dark cherries, Belgian chocolate, brown sugar, candi sugars, peppercorns, tropical fruits like papaya, kiwis, persimmon and dragon fruit notes, molasses, anise notes, coriander spice, blackberry preserves on rye and hints of port wine.
Aftertaste:
Belgian phenolic bananas, cherries, peppercorns, dragon fruit, rye bread, raisins and dulce de leche caramel linger for a little bit but then ends kind of dry. No alcohol in the taste. A moderate drinkability beer with full mouthfeel even if the beer is dark but clear. There is also a smooth component to it which makes it drinkable too.
Overall:
A damn great beer that I enjoyed more than expected. It is a quad with a variety of flavors and more fruitier than caramel based really which is pretty awesome. It ain’t no Forgotten Island but it is definitely a delicious little quad and dangerous too. I can definitely drink several of these but it would be bad as I would get wasted. I think the beer may age despite the clearness and really the ABV will make it so. This beer also reminds me of the Dogfish Head Sah Tea too, interesting. Highly recommended especially since it will be distributed to all Stone chains, you have no excuse not to try this one!
Anime Corner:
Original Artwork by NKMR8 or Nakamura Eight was used in this pairing for several reasons. I wanted to capture the bad assness of a quad beer as well as the fact that some of the Stone beers I have paired, especially Arrogant Bastard, have been bad ass Samurai, Ninjas or Demons of sort. A quad by Stone is something I have never tried before so I really wanted to pair with something that would pair with the fruit flavors, the colors of Star Trek’s Quadrotriticale and the overall badassness this beer brings. The aspect of the Abbeys and Trappist may not be very visible at first but just like when I did Stickee Monkee, honor and commitment is part of what monks do. The Samurai follows the code of Bushido and are very honorable members of society. While their ideas of the spiritual beliefs may differ from other monks, the Samurai meditates as well and prays to serve society.
Source:
http://static.zerochan.net/NkmR8.full.1420609.jpg
Rating: 6/5
Proprietor’s Vintage 2014 Stickee Monkee by Firestone Walker Brewing is a 13.4% ABV World Class Central Coast Belgian Quadrupel aged in bourbon barrels.
Label:
Since founding our brewery in 1996, we have specialized in the rare art of brewing beer in oak barrels. In the fall of 2006, we embarked on a program to barrel age a series of vintage strong ales that would later be used as components of a blended beer. That blend would become our first Anniversary Ale, “10”.
After the release of “10”, we released limited amounts of the component beers on draft only. Many of these beers gained a cult following that craft beer fans raved about and begged for us to put in bottle. Stickee Monkee was one of these beers.
We present the 2014 vintage of Stickee Monkee, a barrel-aged Quad. It has been said that the only constant is change and the same is true for barrel-aged Quad evolves and shows a different face each year; a result of time spent aging in the barrel.
Turbinado brown sugar from Mexico adds wonderful molasses flavors that are reminiscent of Belgian candi sugar. It has a full body and lush texture with battle expression all over; toasted oak, coconut, leather and rich cigar tobacco.
This Central Coast Quad is a one-of-a-kind sipping beer built to last and will reward careful aging for years to come.
___
This is very damn special. So special along side some of the best in the world so far. This beer was so coveted that I barely was able to get a bottle for myself. Initially sold at the Firestone Brewery, it saw a very limited distribution. I really wanted to bring this forward for a review here at the site and lucky for me, my chance was answered. If you seek this beer, you may have to trade.
Aromas:
DAMN! Smells like Black Tuesday. This isn’t an imperial stout but damn it has so much complexity going on here. Dulce de leche, grilled bananas with Irish cream, vanilla, oak, coconut, flan, almond joy chocolate, marshmallows, bourbon, pecan pie, hazelnuts, maple syrup, bourbon, molasses, pilloncillo sugar cone, dark fruits like raisins, plums, figs, dark cherries, currants, maple syrup, milk, dark and Belgium chocolates, waffle cone and raisin bread pudding.
Flavors:
Brown Sugar Grilled Bananas with pilloncillo sugar cone, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bourbon, toasted coconut, French Vanilla ice cream, oreo cookies and cream, flan, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallow smores, maple syrup, hazelnut nectar, pecan pie, dark fruit raisins, figs, plums, dark cherries, black berries, currants, port wine, capirotada raisin bread pudding, dark cherries, currants, maple syrup, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Belgium chocolate, candi sugars, waffle cone, clove spice, rocky road ice cream, almond joy chocolate, choco flan, molasses, tobacco, leather, Trappist Belgian yeast, grape nuts, peaches and cream.
Aftertaste:
Caramelized Bananas, chocolate, vanilla, bourbon, dark fruit raisin pudding and pecan pie. No alcohol in the taste, Unbelievably smooth, syrupy mouth feel and extremely dangerous. This is one of those beers that you want to be careful as you can probably finish the whole bottle in one sitting which is not recommended. Take you time with this one.
Overall:
This beer was a fucking mind blow. There is a reason this is a key player in the anniversary ales they release every year. Each year the recipe is different and each one just pushing the edges of what I can give as extra credit. This might truly be the best quad I have ever had, yes even in lines with the Westvleteren. Also the strongest quadruple at 13.4% ABV except for the Agave Maria at 13.5% ABV and Forgotten Island at 15% ABV. Each one is just unique in its own way. I really love this one for reminding me so much of Black Tuesday or Bourbon County but it is a quadruple and its flavor profile really shows.
Anime Corner:
SonSon III was chosen for this pairing for the fact that she is a monkey but she is also a Buddhist Monk. As it applies to the monks in Belgium, those characteristics about her are what worked well in my mind, hence why I chose her. The peaches and cream aspect fit as well as she represents what is sweet about this beer. Her origin is that of the monk Son Goku or Sun Wukong or the Monkey King. She is inspired by the Chinese classical novel of Journey to the West. Her grandfather was the original SonSon. Her power comes of the that of the martial arts and the is Ki attacks. Yes, this beer is very powerful and she makes a great representative. Can you come up with any nice aspects from this pairing?
Source:
http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080319020048/marvelvscapcom/images/b/bf/Sonson-big-mvc2.jpg
http://johnjoseco.deviantart.com/art/Monkeys-and-Peaches-395292236
Rating: 5/5
Four Swords by Deep Ellum of Dallas Texas is a 9.5% ABV Belgian Abbey Quadrupel.
Label:
A Quad in the Belgian tradition.
Four Swords is not a beer to be taken lightly. Inspired by the Trappist brewers of Belgium. This Quadruple is an ale of great strength and bold flavor.
In the early days, there was no precise method of measuring the alcohol content of beer, so in order to increase the strength, the brewing monks would use double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredients to achieve a desired result.
Beginning with a big surge of complex, fruity aromatics, the flavor of this full-bodied dark ale gives way to notes of dark fruit and caramel with a slightly spicy finish brought forth by a traditional abbey ale yeast.
Style: Traditional Belgian Style Quad
Hops: Magnum and Williamette
Malts: Pilsner, Cara Munich 60, Special B and Honey Malt
Yeast: Belgium Abbey Ale
Other : Dark Belgian Candi Syrup
___
What an awesome name for an awesome beer. I love quadruples and this review could have not been possible without the contribution to my good friend Aaron at www.beermetaldude.com and the good folks at Deep Ellum Brewing of Dallas Texas. We don’t get their beer here in California. So like many quadruples I have had in the past, I really want to look at why this one is so special. Let’s go ahead an break it down, 1 sword at a time. Cheers!
Aromas:
Dark fruit plums, raisins, figs, prunes, dates, cherry, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, bananas, clove spice, anise, toffee, molasses, brown sugar, peaches, apricots, biscuit bread, lots of Belgian candi sugars, cinnamon, pecan pie, berry marmalade and nutmeg.
Flavors:
Very Rich Dulce de leche caramel, candi sugars, dark fruits like raisins, figs, cherries, plums, prunes, anise, toffee, berry marmalade on biscuit toast, molasses, brown sugar, bananas, clove spice, peaches, apricot, pecan pie, whipped cream, vanilla and some earthy notes.
Aftertaste:
Candi sugars, dulce de leche caramel, raisins, mild bananas, clove spice and earthy notes. No alcohol in the taste. A sipping beer with full mouth feel.
Overall:
I must say, a very damn well made quadruple. If you love quadruples, you will like this one. This one hit all sectors in terms of flavor and drinking experience. If you are in Dallas and are some how able to grab this beer, do so as this one is great and delicious.
Anime Corner:
The multiple versions of Saber from Fate Zero/Fate Stay Night and Mori Ranmaru from Sengoku Taisen were chosen for the obvious reason, the 4 swords. With Saber, this is the 4 versions of herself which reflects this beers complexity with each sword ranging from dark cherry, Caramel sugars, Dark fruits and pecan flavors, 4 of which only highlight the other dozen of flavor complexities mentioned in this beer. Each with 4 swords and well, paying respect to the Knight aspect of the sword in relation to the Abbeys and possibly Legend of Zelda too. Sure why not, the beer was named after that game too.
Rating: 5.65/5
Box of Chocolate by Charleville microbrewery of Sainte Genevieve, Missouri is a 10% ABV Belgian Quadrupel brewed with Chocolate.
Label:
It’s Difficult to express Love’s nuances, much like the complexity of this Belgian style Chocolate Quad. You Might use a Box of Chocolate to express your love, we use it to demonstrate our passion for great beer.
___
Only available, from what I can tell, at the wine and cheese online store, (Google this one). A small price for what I have never seen in my life. A Chocolate Quad? Well, aside from the Bruery who makes chocolate rain and possible chocolate indulgence by Ommegang may be the closest to what a Belgian Chocolate Quad could be like. Well, enough pondering and on the review!
Aromas:
Sweet, Milk, bakers and dark chocolate, dark fruits, raisins, plum notes, dulce de leche caramel, bananas, vanilla, clove spice, brown sugar, mild anise, molasses and hazelnut.
Flavors:
Lots of chocolate flavors ranging from sweet, milk, dark, fudge and bakers, chocolate covered cherries, vanilla, raisins, plums, prunes, brown sugar, bananas, dulce de leche caramel, clove spice, anise notes, underlying earthy notes, mild coffee, marshmallow, waffle cone, hazelnut, almonds and candy sugar.
Aftertaste:
The aftertaste leaves with chocolate covered raisins, bananas, caramel, vanilla and earthy notes. Hidden alcohol through and through with a sipping drinkability level.
Overall:
A beer that exceeds expectations and maybe more perfect than some of my other perfect beers, but the one thing about this, which I don’t complain but you have to be aware, is that the chocolate does take over some of the more complex Belgian qualities. I don’t really care about this little aspect because you can tell the quadrupel is still there, it is unique and I don’t think there is a quad quite like this one. Fucking amazing straight out of a little microbrewery in Missouri.
Anime Corner: SPOILER ALERT
T-elos from Xenosaga was used for this pairing not so much for the labels but for 2 reasons. The flavors of Chocolate, cherries (on her forehead piece), dark fruits, vanilla, caramel and others and the Belgian Quad aspect. The reason for the Belgian quad aspect is because it leads back to the Abbeys of Belgium and how they were represented Holy and Christian inspired. T-elos was the original cyborg vessel that would inhabit the resurrection of Mary Magdalene in the Christian influenced Xenosaga series. Ofcourse, she eventually fuze with the perfect vessel, Kos-mos but anyways, that is the most I can link a Belgian quad to Abbeys, to Christianity to Xenosaga and to T-elos and at the end, this pairing. Her name means purpose, ends or goals, so if the overall purpose of the beer is to meet a unique Belgian inspired Chocolate Quad then, Bravo!
Rating: 5.45/5
Partridge in a Pear Tree (6 years aged) by The Bruery is an 11% ABV Belgian Abbey Quadrupel
Label:
WÆS HÆIL!
Belgian-Style Abbey Ale Quadrupel, Verse One. Love or hate the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song, you re bound to love this rich, malt-accented ale. After sharing a bottle with family and friends, there s a good chance you ll all be singing with jubilation!
___
Released in 2008, as the first verse in the Twelve days of Christmas, I was able to stash away this bottle to be tried when reaching half ways of the series. I wanted to try this as I have tried all the other ones except this one. It is an elusive beer and I am not sure, but I hope I make it to try the 12 drummers drumming to try this beer once again, if possible, at its peak age of the 12 years. Life is short so I definitely wanted to bring a review to see if you can find something close to this beer. You may not have had a chance to try it but I am sure as being a Belgian Quad and me trying several quads, I am sure I have found something similar. Also, I am sure the ABV has risen into at least 12 or 13%
Aromas:
Super rich Plum, sugar plums, raisins, figs, dates, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, butter scotch, deep dark cherry, pears, prunes, vanilla, molasses, brown sugar, cloves banana spice, nutmeg, candi sugars, apples, abbey sweet bread, wine grape hints and peach
Flavors:
Flavors are dead on quad, lots of dark fruit, dark cherries, dulce de leche, caramel, prunes, vanilla, sugar plums, raisins, rich matured pears, figs, dates, molasses, brown sugar, light soy sauce hints for bitterness, brown sugar, chocolate notes, bananas, nutmeg, butterscotch, toffee, raisin bread pudding, peaches and crèam and pecan pie.
Aftertaste:
Cherry, raisins, plums,dark fruits, dulce de leche caramel, pears, peach, raisin bread pudding and complexity. Very smooth and close to easy drinkability with alcohol no where present in the taste. If this is what cellaring does, I definitely cannot wait for the cellar quads I have saved. By the way, careful as this one is very good that you may want to finish the bottle, slow down though. Easy does it.
Overall:
This beer has aged incredibly well and has become very delicious. While I understand it is hard to find, I can definitely compare it to some of the finest quads I have ever had, like St. Bernardus 12, Ommegang Three Philosophers, De Halve Mann Straffe Hendrik II and possibly close to the Achel Trappist. The Dark fruits is the biggest player in this beer for sure. Recommended if you can save one until 2020 and see how much more it has developed. Trust me, if you love deep dark fruit quads, then you have had this one for sure. Merry Christmas !
Anime Corner:
I introduced Nia Teppelin in a previous review. In this review I wanted to talk about the qualities I saw in this artwork that best fit the beer. If you look at Nia’s green and yellow long hair, it resembles that of a pear tree. In this picture it looks like she is sitting on her hair, thus, the partridge in the pear tree. Also to best fit the colors of the label, the red outlines of the suit as well as the green fits it quite nicely. She is the partridge in the pear tree, she is the first verse, the quadruple sweet dark fruit side resembles the part of her personally of how she is always sweet with everyone and her friends, but her race and ancestry has a dark past. This beer has aged to become more sweet than bitter bringing out her best qualities after 6 years. Can you find any other artistic features in this piece?
Rating: 4.8/5
Cuádruple 2011 edition by The Bruery is a 10% ABV Provision Series Belgian Quadruple brewed with Agave
Label:
Cuádruple is our spin on the classic Belgian-style quadruple, brewed with a heaping amount of dark agave nectar. It will age gracefully for several years.
Description (beeradvocate):
Cuádruple combines elements of Belgium with elements of Mexico, hence the name, meaning “quadruple” in Spanish. We blended a classic Belgian quad recipe by removing the standard Belgian candi sugars and replacing them with dark agave syrup. The resulting beer is a luxurious tribute to two very different parts of the world.
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Was able to find this bottle at the Bruery tasting room for a decent amount. Interesting for them to sell a beer that has not been seen for several years. Oh well, when the opportunity rises. This beer has been aging for 2 years so I wanted to get a review going. There are not of agave beers out there or Tequila barrel aged beers for this matter. This one is unique since it is one of my favorite styles but made with agave instead. I have had agave juice by itself on several occasions as many of the local Mexican super markets sell the little bags of juice. As a kid, this was my version of Hi-C
Aromas of this beer are of agave juice,lots of candi sugar, dulce de leche caramel on pecan pie, a sweet potato like fragrance, raisin bread pudding, plums, dates, rich figs, toffee, cinnamon, brown sugar and molasses.
The flavors are of definitely of a quadruple with the dulce de caramel, raisins, figs, plums, candi sugars, dates, ripe banana notes and spicy cloves followed by agave juice, dark chocolate, vanilla, dried apricots, sweet potato pie, pecans, walnuts, molasses and Tequila notes.
The flavors stay consistent through and through always bringing out rich quad notes with agave sweetness. After taste stays sweet with apricot bitterness and raisin sweetness. The beer hides the 10% ABV well making it of decent drinkability. An amazing beer with great flavors. Belgian beer lovers will find this one a bit different. The agave nectar really does the job taking the Belgian quad into more of a Mexican approach on delicious flavor.
Rating: 6/5 *Like Trois Pistoles, this is a very common beer. Since my seek for the Holy grail of Westvleteren 12, I realized, that this beer is the closest but because of its commonality and its availability, it has become my favorite beer in the world right next to Trois Pistoles. Forget all the worldly hypes because this beer is truly from God!!
St. Bernardus Abt 12 by Brouwerij St. Bernardus is a 10%ABV World Class Belgian Abbey Quadrupel.
Label:
Brewery St. Bernardus was founded in 1946 in Watou, Province of West Flanders in Belgium. These exceptional quality ales are brewed by using only the finest malts, local grown hops, yeast and artesian water pumped from a depth of 500 feet. After the brewing process these traditional ales are matured in tanks for three months, before being bottle conditioned. The results is a naturally carbonated ’living ale,’ which can be aged for up to 15 years and will satisfy the taste of even the most discriminating connoisseurs.
“Bringing heavenly nectar within reach”
Abt 12 – abbey ale brewed in the classic “Dubbel” Style of Belgium’s best Abbey Ales. Serve this noble and wonderfully balanced brown ale at 52-56 degrees Farenheit in a goblet glass to best enjoy its delicate bouquet
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Here is some history from the Abbey and why it is very close to Westvleteren even without the “Trappist name”:http://belgianbeerspecialist.blogspot.com/2010/09/westvleteren-and-st-bernardus-real.html
I can give several reasons and do many more reviews of this beer’s grandeur. However, it would be nothing short of what I haven’t already covered in the past. I will be doing another review, in 15 years 😉
Past Reviews: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/st-bernardus-abt-12-by-brouwerij-st-bernardus/
UPDATE:
I changed my mind, lets have at it. I still have some left over but also I still have one cellaring for the next 15 years. More than likely, as the earthy hops go down, this is gonna literally be a complete caramel sticky mess but so good I might give it a 7/5 ;). I realize my previous review may not do this enough justice. Fragrances are of raisin bread pudding, very rich dulce de leche caramel, earthy mild hops, apples, slight apricot, slight chocolate, more dark fruits like figs, grapes, slight cherries, banana, cloves, sweet bread, candi sugar, slight peppercorn notes and spices. The flavors are of rich liquid dulce de leche caramel, apples, banana, raisins, cherries, figs, raisin bread pudding, slight Leche Nestle (Sweetened Condensed milk) sugary notes, candi sugar, raisin bread pudding, pecan pie, brown sugar, clove, bubble gum, slight earthy hop notes, stone fruits, fruit cake, currants and slight wood oak like the dulce de leche they sell in Mexico that comes in wooden boxes. So there you have it. Now go get this one. Every craft brew place has this, it is hard to miss 🙂
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