Eleven - Beer A (Belgian Quad)
Surly Brewing Co.

A Belgian Quad huh...

Poured this into a large glass and got a pretty dark brown body with off white head. Nose isn't as pronounced as I expected.

Taste is dark fruit such as plums, raisins and prunes. Somewhat bitter and not as carbonated as some. Sweetness is definitely in the background. Not overly carbonated. This matches the style but just doesn't go over the top. I am used to St. B and Trappist Roquefort. Still tasty.

 

 

Damn good quad with simple Carmely flavors. Not complex but tasty.

 

Two faced? Anywhere? Everywhere? Looking forward? Looking back? All the above? Surly Brewing covers all these bases and more as they turn eleven years old. Historically a Belgian darker, stronger ale yet looking ahead with wild fermentation character, the ale even shows a hint of wheat beer and barleywine while delighting the tastebuds with such an appropriate birthday party in the mouth.

Dark and rusty with hues of red and brown, the beer's creamy ecru froth brings a tremendous array of fruit to the nose ranging from stone fruit, dried fruit, dark fruit, orchard, citrus and pitted fruit, all with a rich fruitcake scent and a musty wine twinge. Lusciously sweet on the palate, its cakey introductions are laced with brown sugar, sorghum, molasses, honey and caramel.

But the beer really excels as its sweetness dissolves systematically on the middle palate and the fruit flavors of date, fig, cherry, apple, raisin, apricot, orange and pineapple take on a dried fruit character while its caramels turn steely and malty dry. Leathery, dusty and woodsy, the faint hints of weathered oak, sherry and balsamic shine hints of vinous acidity with a peppery, cinnamon-like, and a broad woodsy bitter finish.

Full but drying, the beer's body starts malty and lavish but finishes spicy with wine-like alcohol and mild tartness to suggest something lighter, drier and more drinkable. A long and savory aftertaste brings back those fruitcake impressions that extend from the nose.

 

 

 

 

 

On tap at the brewery.

Copper color with a tan head.

Licorice, molasses, spices, plums, caramel, toffee, belgian yeast. Malty and somewhat boozy.

Medium to full bodied.

On draft. Poured a cloudy, dark burgundy color with a small, tan head of foam. It smelled of dried dark fruits, caramel, toffee and sweet malt. It Tasted of raisin, plum and toffee. Sweet with a nice dose of bitterness.

 

 

 

This beer arrives a cloudy dark amber color. The head a a firm half inch of foam that recedes quickly into sparse lacing. The armoa is of dates, raisins, plums, and has a hint of anise. The taste is similar...maybe a bit sweeter and a little spicier, but too style. The mouthfeel is full bodied with a chewy texture. Carbonation is appropriate. Overall, this is a really well made quad that I'd like to drink again.