Wow! This beer holds up to just about any Quad on the market today. Packed with wonderful flavor and boasting a hefty 11% abv it is no wonder they release it January-March (we need something to keep us warm). Allow me to explain why this beer should be one of your selections for the Winter months.
It is an elegant Quad. A very foamy head that rest atop a deep ruby-brown brew. One thing I found a little questionable, was that there was almost no sediment at the bottom which is common among Belgian strong ales. This means that aging this beer might not be worth while. Caution: the 11% will sneak up on you so make sure you sip this with food or a few friends. On the flip side, if you are becoming a little stir crazy in your home due to the cold weather, this might just cheer you up.
The aroma is right up there with Rochefort, but a little bit least yeasty. Grapes, dates, and dark fruits like figs are prevalent. The yeast strain is fruity and clean. I got a slight hint that I was smelling Welch’s grade juice. I slight mineral quality was noticeable that gave off a soft quality. Other than that, the aroma was little more developed than Ale Asylum’s Grand Cru.
Undoubtedly, a Quad with regards to the taste. Deep fruits, smooth, and strong. It finishes clean and jamy (Smuker’s grape jelly) with a slightly boozy kick. This clean aspect did not conjure up the Belgian brews with their bready finish and mouthfeel. The aftertaste was jamy due to residual sugars (although this beer seems to have fermented fully). In the end, the abv was pretty high. I’m sure with a lower abv it would have been all the more approachable.