It is the last of the Sprecher Series. In the past, I have previously reviewed the other three beers in that series: the Enkel, the Dubbel and the Tripel. The final beer is the Quadrupel, which is the last in the line of the Belgian style of brewing.
As it turns out, the Belgian Quadrupel is probably my favorite style of beer. I have also drank some mighty fine Quads in my time, such as the La Trappe Quadrupel. In other words, the bar is very high. And, after the somewhat disappointing experience with the Sprecher Tripel, I would not be completely honest if I did not say I was wary of this particular offering. Nevertheless, I committed myself to trying and blogging about all four of the Sprecher Belgian beers, because I wanted to go through the exercise of thinking about and writing about each of the Belgian beer styles. So, here it goes ....
As it turns out, the Belgian Quadrupel is probably my favorite style of beer. I have also drank some mighty fine Quads in my time, such as the La Trappe Quadrupel. In other words, the bar is very high. And, after the somewhat disappointing experience with the Sprecher Tripel, I would not be completely honest if I did not say I was wary of this particular offering. Nevertheless, I committed myself to trying and blogging about all four of the Sprecher Belgian beers, because I wanted to go through the exercise of thinking about and writing about each of the Belgian beer styles. So, here it goes ....
The brewers describe the beer in the following words: a "massive mouthful of malt goodness balanced by warming alcohol with a whisper of bitterness and playful spice." They add that there are "[p]redominant flavors" of "caramelized sugar, toffee, dried fruits (fig, cherry, raisin, plum), molasses, light spice (clove, pepper, nutmeg) and a slight hint of citrus." That is a very tall order.
It is also one that falls a slight bit short. The Quadrupel pours a cola brown in color. There are aromas of raisins and plums, which are also featured in the flavor of the beer. The caramelized sugar also features prominently, hence the Belgian candy taste. While there is a slight tartness to the beer, I do not think that falls in the category of either a "light spice" or "citrus." Nevertheless, it is present against the booziness of the beer in the background.
The Belgian Quad was a good quadrupel. Certainly a better example of a quadrupel than the tripel was as an example of a Belgian Tripel. With this beer and review completed, it draws to an end my Sprecher Series. But, it is no La Trappe. If I ever make my way back out to Wisconsin, I may find another Belgian Quad to double check my impressions. Until then,
ENJOY!
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