La Trappe Quadrupel (Oak Aged) | Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven B.V.
Brewed by:
Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven B.V.
Netherlands | website
Style: Quadrupel (Quad)
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 10.00%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
In 2009, the Koningshoeven brewery reinstated an age-old tradition: aging La Trappe Quadrupel in oak barrels (also known as ‘barriques’).
This way of aging ale results in a unique, complex flavour, which varies from one type of barrel to another. Quadrupel can be conserved for many years, and is a real treat for true ale enthusiasts. And this is yet another ale that continues to ferment after bottling, while its rich taste and high tannin content are likely to even surprise many a wine drinker!
BATCH 1 (blended on June 1, 2010).
New Oak Heavy Toast - 18.2%
New Medium Acasia - 9.1%
Port Medium Burnt - 36.4%
Port Medium Toast - 36.4%
BATCH 2 (blended on July 26, 2010).
New Medium Oak Toast - 9%
Port Medium Burnt Toast (Amer. Oak) - 64%
Port Medium Burnt Toast (French Oak) - 9%
Port Medium Toast (French Oak) - 18%
BATCH 3 (blended on September 17, 2010).
New Oak Medium Toast - 18%
Port Medium Toast (French Oak) - 55%
La Trappe Q. Medium Toast (French Oak) - 27%
BATCH 4 (blended on 5 November 2010).
New Oak Medium Toast - 27%
Port Medium Toast (French Oak) - 9%
La Trappe Q. Medium Toast (French Oak) - 18%
La Trappe Q. Medium burnt (Amer. Oak) - 36%
New Oak Heavy Toast - 10%
BATCH 5 (blended on January 25, 2011):
New Oak Heavy Toast - 20%
White wine used Oak Heavy Toast - 80%
BATCH 8 (blended in October 2011):
Whiskey - 70%
New Fr. Oak Medium Toast - 30%
BATCH 14 (blended on June 24, 2013).
Acacia Wood - 7%
New Oak Barrels - 11%
Limousine Barrels with Cognac - 82%
BATCH16 (blended in March 2014)
Brandy 36,5%
Oloroso 27%
New Oak Medium Toast 10%
New Oak High Toast 10%
Late Burgundy 10%
Added by PapaEugene on 11-06-2009
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 168 | Ratings: 566
4.97/5 rDev +18.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
batch number 3. poured into crystal chalice. served at 61 degrees.
pours a honey brown. light lacing with a small head.
man. this is the best smelling beer ive ever come across. dark fruits dominate. sweet as can be
dark fruits with a heavy toffee aftertaste. alcohol content is virtually non existent.
cant believe my little liquor store carried this. at 20.00 this is super pricey but well worth it. the best trappist beer or for that matter Belgian style (made in holland) beer ive had. its a shame the Bros havent tried this yet.
★ 540 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
batch number 3. poured into crystal chalice. served at 61 degrees.
pours a honey brown. light lacing with a small head.
man. this is the best smelling beer ive ever come across. dark fruits dominate. sweet as can be
dark fruits with a heavy toffee aftertaste. alcohol content is virtually non existent.
cant believe my little liquor store carried this. at 20.00 this is super pricey but well worth it. the best trappist beer or for that matter Belgian style (made in holland) beer ive had. its a shame the Bros havent tried this yet.
★ 540 characters
4.93/5 rDev +17.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Bottle (Batch 8) at Bitter Creek Alehouse. Plastic cork, difficult to remove, but worth the wait. Silky smooth pour, murky brown body, no head. Aroma of wood, whiskey and pit fruit. Taste follows with a little bit of smoke on top of the oak and fruit. Well blended and well aged. Worth seeking out.
★ 298 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Bottle (Batch 8) at Bitter Creek Alehouse. Plastic cork, difficult to remove, but worth the wait. Silky smooth pour, murky brown body, no head. Aroma of wood, whiskey and pit fruit. Taste follows with a little bit of smoke on top of the oak and fruit. Well blended and well aged. Worth seeking out.
★ 298 characters
4.92/5 rDev +17.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Batch #3, poured in a snifter glass. Enjoyed with a smile.
This beer reminds me of a time I was traveling with my family in Croatia. I was 14, interested in women as long as they weren't super hairy. I don't like that, keep it in France.
We went to visit a castle there, it was an amazing spectacle that you could see from the port we landed on. Before I proceed with this story, how about a quick one... I saw a girl my age on a topless beach, it was amazing. There wasn't much going on, but it was okay because I was the same age. It's not okay for you to picture it, creeper.
Anyway, the castle. This thing was incredible. Everything was preserved pretty well, especially the electric elevators. We rode one up to the main floor of said castle, and proceeded down the entry way. It turned out there was an exhibit going on in the castle. "Bitchin!" I thought. Then we got closer.
I don't know if all Croatians are into this stuff (let me know either way, I'm interested if they are or not), but we were at an exhibit full of Dominatrix style porn. Straight up, abusive ass porn. Whips and chains everywhere, screens playing porn, hairy armpits and lower regions (which is code for vaginas) everywhere.
It was a mess, and I was with my grandparents. I was embarrassed, yet intrigued. Anyway, we decided to go to the top of the castle, check the lookout, and then leave as fast as we could.
We got in the elevator and hit the top floor. We rose about 5 feet, at the same pace elevators normally ascend. Then the elevator stopped and all power went out.
We were all thinking the same thing, "I'm about to get raped by a woman with a whip and my grandmother is in the same room".
I was upset, I wasn't going to have the second person I had ever had sex with be a hairy Croatian with a whip. It's just not my style. And I wasn't mentally prepared, either.
Anyway, when the power came on and we made it to the top of the castle. It was actually really nice. Had a view of Dubrovnik and some homeless people.
I'm glad I didn't get raped in front of my grandmother by a fuzzy Croatian. I have nothing against Croatian women, they're gorgeous, but the ones that were on the offensive team were not. Otherwise I would have been more receptive, grandmother or not.
This beer is like one of those gorgeous Croatian women. I'd let it make sexy time with me in front of my grandparents. Any. Day.
Appearance: A gorgeous Croatian woman
Smell: Roasted Bananas, Alcohol
Taste: Probably like a gorgeous Croatian woman tastes, I have no idea. Vanilla Oak, dark fruits. It tastes incredible.
Mouthfeel: Obviously, like a gorgeous Croatian woman. I'm gonna go ahead and pass up the opportunity to directly compare mouthfeel and women. More carbonated than expected, but actually it's perfect. Good body, excellent carbonation that lightens it up a bit.
Overall: This thing was a little pricey, which is better than being a little dicey (Croatian castles). I dropped about $17 on this thing, and I'd do it again. In fact, I bet I'll do it tomorrow.
Suck on that, hairy armpit ladies.
★ 3,091 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Batch #3, poured in a snifter glass. Enjoyed with a smile.
This beer reminds me of a time I was traveling with my family in Croatia. I was 14, interested in women as long as they weren't super hairy. I don't like that, keep it in France.
We went to visit a castle there, it was an amazing spectacle that you could see from the port we landed on. Before I proceed with this story, how about a quick one... I saw a girl my age on a topless beach, it was amazing. There wasn't much going on, but it was okay because I was the same age. It's not okay for you to picture it, creeper.
Anyway, the castle. This thing was incredible. Everything was preserved pretty well, especially the electric elevators. We rode one up to the main floor of said castle, and proceeded down the entry way. It turned out there was an exhibit going on in the castle. "Bitchin!" I thought. Then we got closer.
I don't know if all Croatians are into this stuff (let me know either way, I'm interested if they are or not), but we were at an exhibit full of Dominatrix style porn. Straight up, abusive ass porn. Whips and chains everywhere, screens playing porn, hairy armpits and lower regions (which is code for vaginas) everywhere.
It was a mess, and I was with my grandparents. I was embarrassed, yet intrigued. Anyway, we decided to go to the top of the castle, check the lookout, and then leave as fast as we could.
We got in the elevator and hit the top floor. We rose about 5 feet, at the same pace elevators normally ascend. Then the elevator stopped and all power went out.
We were all thinking the same thing, "I'm about to get raped by a woman with a whip and my grandmother is in the same room".
I was upset, I wasn't going to have the second person I had ever had sex with be a hairy Croatian with a whip. It's just not my style. And I wasn't mentally prepared, either.
Anyway, when the power came on and we made it to the top of the castle. It was actually really nice. Had a view of Dubrovnik and some homeless people.
I'm glad I didn't get raped in front of my grandmother by a fuzzy Croatian. I have nothing against Croatian women, they're gorgeous, but the ones that were on the offensive team were not. Otherwise I would have been more receptive, grandmother or not.
This beer is like one of those gorgeous Croatian women. I'd let it make sexy time with me in front of my grandparents. Any. Day.
Appearance: A gorgeous Croatian woman
Smell: Roasted Bananas, Alcohol
Taste: Probably like a gorgeous Croatian woman tastes, I have no idea. Vanilla Oak, dark fruits. It tastes incredible.
Mouthfeel: Obviously, like a gorgeous Croatian woman. I'm gonna go ahead and pass up the opportunity to directly compare mouthfeel and women. More carbonated than expected, but actually it's perfect. Good body, excellent carbonation that lightens it up a bit.
Overall: This thing was a little pricey, which is better than being a little dicey (Croatian castles). I dropped about $17 on this thing, and I'd do it again. In fact, I bet I'll do it tomorrow.
Suck on that, hairy armpit ladies.
★ 3,091 characters
4.89/5 rDev +16.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Cork and caged 37.5cl bottle: Batch 3. Given to me, as a gift by Rudi from De Bierboom in Brugge, thanks Rudi.
Poured into a Westvleteren chalice (and a Hoegaarden Grand Cru stemmed tulip, which got the sediment and bottle remains).
Deep, dark brown/reddy coloured body, thin covering of off-white bubbles on top, clear without the sediment, the Hoegaarden glass held a different view.
What an incredible aroma, spiced bananas in a liquorice flavoured custard.
The taste is equally as incredible as the smell, port wine can be added to the thoughts from the aromas, this is a complex beer and I loved it. The beer excites the taste buds, loads to find and enjoy in the flavours: malty molasses, various fruits, more spices and herbs than you could shake a big stick at, Port wine and chocolate flavoured liquorice in abundance, a truly different beer. I don’t normally like beers that have been ‘messed around with’, but the Oak Aged bit seems to work with this beer.
Almost gave this beer straight 5’s, had to sit back and think about it, so easy to get carried away when a beer is this good!
★ 1,106 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Cork and caged 37.5cl bottle: Batch 3. Given to me, as a gift by Rudi from De Bierboom in Brugge, thanks Rudi.
Poured into a Westvleteren chalice (and a Hoegaarden Grand Cru stemmed tulip, which got the sediment and bottle remains).
Deep, dark brown/reddy coloured body, thin covering of off-white bubbles on top, clear without the sediment, the Hoegaarden glass held a different view.
What an incredible aroma, spiced bananas in a liquorice flavoured custard.
The taste is equally as incredible as the smell, port wine can be added to the thoughts from the aromas, this is a complex beer and I loved it. The beer excites the taste buds, loads to find and enjoy in the flavours: malty molasses, various fruits, more spices and herbs than you could shake a big stick at, Port wine and chocolate flavoured liquorice in abundance, a truly different beer. I don’t normally like beers that have been ‘messed around with’, but the Oak Aged bit seems to work with this beer.
Almost gave this beer straight 5’s, had to sit back and think about it, so easy to get carried away when a beer is this good!
★ 1,106 characters
4.89/5 rDev +16.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
this one got me extra interested in beer... the result rests in my cellar and fridge now ;-)
batch 1
drank this at the bruges beer festival
S: and immediately was overwhelmed by the smell. Great caramel, coffee, floral, so so so good I had it up my nose every 5 seconds!
T: well, I'm in to all sorts of drinks, and this one combines all of my favs... it reminded me of wine, port (sweet), whiskey, coffee and of course beer, oak made it smooth, just one orgasm of intense drinking dreams! Only a bit too young, with a better balance I give this a 5 in taste easy
just a very promising beer, not cheap, but hey, an oak aged trappist... I hope this will stir up some other monks in doing the same!
Have 26 left... will drink my next in a couple of months
edit: just gave a higher score... I'm drinking my next one right now, after one month in 50° fridge... the taste is already perfect. Unbelievable! What a balance, no alcohol in there what so ever!
★ 958 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
this one got me extra interested in beer... the result rests in my cellar and fridge now ;-)
batch 1
drank this at the bruges beer festival
S: and immediately was overwhelmed by the smell. Great caramel, coffee, floral, so so so good I had it up my nose every 5 seconds!
T: well, I'm in to all sorts of drinks, and this one combines all of my favs... it reminded me of wine, port (sweet), whiskey, coffee and of course beer, oak made it smooth, just one orgasm of intense drinking dreams! Only a bit too young, with a better balance I give this a 5 in taste easy
just a very promising beer, not cheap, but hey, an oak aged trappist... I hope this will stir up some other monks in doing the same!
Have 26 left... will drink my next in a couple of months
edit: just gave a higher score... I'm drinking my next one right now, after one month in 50° fridge... the taste is already perfect. Unbelievable! What a balance, no alcohol in there what so ever!
★ 958 characters
4.85/5 rDev +15.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Had this beer while in the Netherlands. Surprisingly good! (I thought I was ordering the Westmalle) Subtle sweet flavorings of caramel, and some spices, but hard to describe. Not much to say for the smell, though. Honestly though, this one should be up there with the Rocheforts.
★ 279 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Had this beer while in the Netherlands. Surprisingly good! (I thought I was ordering the Westmalle) Subtle sweet flavorings of caramel, and some spices, but hard to describe. Not much to say for the smell, though. Honestly though, this one should be up there with the Rocheforts.
★ 279 characters
4.83/5 rDev +15%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Batch #6 served in a snifter glass
Wow. I love this beer. It is very complex with quite a few subtle flavors and smells.
A - Dark amber color with a small lingering head.
S - Nice light aroma that almost seems to have hints of what smells like bourbon and vanilla. Very complex, but the smell of alcohol almost overwhelms any other scent.
T - WOW!!! Here is by far where this beer stands out to me. If I could rate above a 5 I would. So many subtle flavors. A previous post described it as "flowery" and "deceptive taste that would have me think I was drinking a beer with half the alcohol" and I agree despite the fact that I have a different batch. Definite woodiness, caramel, vanilla, and bourbon flavors. Alcohol is not overwhelming, but provides just enough warmth while drinking. I am having trouble being more descriptive than this, but it is just such a complex flavor.
M - Almost creamy. But a little bit over carbonated in my opinion. Great afterfeel.
O - One of my favorite beers I have had. Wonderful complexity to this beer!!!
★ 1,046 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Batch #6 served in a snifter glass
Wow. I love this beer. It is very complex with quite a few subtle flavors and smells.
A - Dark amber color with a small lingering head.
S - Nice light aroma that almost seems to have hints of what smells like bourbon and vanilla. Very complex, but the smell of alcohol almost overwhelms any other scent.
T - WOW!!! Here is by far where this beer stands out to me. If I could rate above a 5 I would. So many subtle flavors. A previous post described it as "flowery" and "deceptive taste that would have me think I was drinking a beer with half the alcohol" and I agree despite the fact that I have a different batch. Definite woodiness, caramel, vanilla, and bourbon flavors. Alcohol is not overwhelming, but provides just enough warmth while drinking. I am having trouble being more descriptive than this, but it is just such a complex flavor.
M - Almost creamy. But a little bit over carbonated in my opinion. Great afterfeel.
O - One of my favorite beers I have had. Wonderful complexity to this beer!!!
★ 1,046 characters
4.75/5 rDev +13.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
375ml bottle served in a La Trapped chalice glass.
By the way, Batch Number 4 and my review number 400 :).
A: Pours a dark amber clear color forming a small yellow color head. Small retention and some nice lacings left. Beautiful beer
S: Smell is delicious. Whiskey and wood. Caramel. Dark sugar. Caramel malts. Alcohol
T: Follows the nose. Absolutely delicious smell of oak and whiskey followed by candy sugar, caramel malts and bready yeast. In overall a sweet beer with a mild bitter end. Alcohol is evident but not annoying
M: Smooth creamy molasses heavy body. Low carbonation. Delicious bitter aftertaste
O: Excellent beautiful beer! I was not expecting that much...
★ 678 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
375ml bottle served in a La Trapped chalice glass.
By the way, Batch Number 4 and my review number 400 :).
A: Pours a dark amber clear color forming a small yellow color head. Small retention and some nice lacings left. Beautiful beer
S: Smell is delicious. Whiskey and wood. Caramel. Dark sugar. Caramel malts. Alcohol
T: Follows the nose. Absolutely delicious smell of oak and whiskey followed by candy sugar, caramel malts and bready yeast. In overall a sweet beer with a mild bitter end. Alcohol is evident but not annoying
M: Smooth creamy molasses heavy body. Low carbonation. Delicious bitter aftertaste
O: Excellent beautiful beer! I was not expecting that much...
★ 678 characters
4.75/5 rDev +13.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Batch 14.
In my opinion outstanding quad.
Corked bottle 37,5 cl.
Low carbonation, a bit difficult to uncork for that reason.
Not too much head.
Nice and full malty-cognac, port wine (really nice) flavour.
Rich and sweet fruit aromas (figs, plums,grapes)
Better served at 12 - 18 degrees celsius like sugested by the brewers.
Since this quad was released in june 2013 i think it will get better with time.
Maybe a year after..
Founded in a really awesome shop in Amsterdam, Der bierkoning (a must if you go to that city) for 20 euros, good stuff cost a bit.
★ 564 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Batch 14.
In my opinion outstanding quad.
Corked bottle 37,5 cl.
Low carbonation, a bit difficult to uncork for that reason.
Not too much head.
Nice and full malty-cognac, port wine (really nice) flavour.
Rich and sweet fruit aromas (figs, plums,grapes)
Better served at 12 - 18 degrees celsius like sugested by the brewers.
Since this quad was released in june 2013 i think it will get better with time.
Maybe a year after..
Founded in a really awesome shop in Amsterdam, Der bierkoning (a must if you go to that city) for 20 euros, good stuff cost a bit.
★ 564 characters
4.75/5 rDev +13.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
Batch 6: Blend of Oak and White Wine Barrels
A: Pours a dark ruby color with a half inch head.
S: Huge port and sherry soaked dark fruits
T: The flavor resembles the aroma and is mixed with vanilla and oak. Sugar soaked plums come through as it warms.
M: Finishes creamy w/ a slight a alcohol burn.
O: So different than most quads but I wouldn't change anything
★ 365 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
Batch 6: Blend of Oak and White Wine Barrels
A: Pours a dark ruby color with a half inch head.
S: Huge port and sherry soaked dark fruits
T: The flavor resembles the aroma and is mixed with vanilla and oak. Sugar soaked plums come through as it warms.
M: Finishes creamy w/ a slight a alcohol burn.
O: So different than most quads but I wouldn't change anything
★ 365 characters
4.75/5 rDev +13.1%
Enjoyed Batch 10 & 16 to date. Batch 10 was fantastic. Lots of oak mellowed the alcohol burn and reminded me of a very well aged Westy 12. Batch 16 still had a significant burn from the higher ABV. Have a few more batches I'm really looking forward to enjoying in the coming months. Worth the higher precise tab.
★ 317 characters
Enjoyed Batch 10 & 16 to date. Batch 10 was fantastic. Lots of oak mellowed the alcohol burn and reminded me of a very well aged Westy 12. Batch 16 still had a significant burn from the higher ABV. Have a few more batches I'm really looking forward to enjoying in the coming months. Worth the higher precise tab.
★ 317 characters
4.74/5 rDev +12.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
500 ml cork and cage bottle poured into a tulip.
10% ABV, Batch 12
A - Clear and lighter in color for a quad like it's non-barrel-aged brother yet definitely different in color, this beer is more of a dark mahogany red with nice clarity. The alcohol causes the loose off-white foam to disappear almost immediately leaving little lace behind.
S - Toasted oak and spicy bourbon aromatics waft into the nose, overtaking the beer's otherwise complex-yet-subtle dark fruit nuances and Belgian yeast subtleties but never does it come across as boozy; its rich maltiness carries through with soft sweetness lingering in the background.
T - Despite the time in oak which clearly shines through the rich beer with fruit-complimentary vanilla notes and Belgian yeast-complimentary bourbon spice, the beer still remains much like it normally is. Dark fruit complexity flourishes from the rich and sweet maltiness, trailing off with just a kiss of floral hoppiness.
M - Far "skinnier" than its full-bodied other self, this beer has plenty of alcohol to warm the innards as well as thin out the big and malty feel for a robust but certainly consumable (though high octane) beer!
O - This wonderful tweak to a classic presents a beautiful bouquet of lush dark fruit complexities so common to the quad style while bringing complimentary subtle vanilla notes from the toasted oak barrels and bourbon whiskey-like spice that equally compliments the Belgian yeast undertones. A bit thinner than it's counterpart, this version smells and tastes like it's heavier on the alcohol while remaining the same. Complex though much of the nuance to the beer is lost to the age, it's a fantastic beer nonetheless!
★ 1,690 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
500 ml cork and cage bottle poured into a tulip.
10% ABV, Batch 12
A - Clear and lighter in color for a quad like it's non-barrel-aged brother yet definitely different in color, this beer is more of a dark mahogany red with nice clarity. The alcohol causes the loose off-white foam to disappear almost immediately leaving little lace behind.
S - Toasted oak and spicy bourbon aromatics waft into the nose, overtaking the beer's otherwise complex-yet-subtle dark fruit nuances and Belgian yeast subtleties but never does it come across as boozy; its rich maltiness carries through with soft sweetness lingering in the background.
T - Despite the time in oak which clearly shines through the rich beer with fruit-complimentary vanilla notes and Belgian yeast-complimentary bourbon spice, the beer still remains much like it normally is. Dark fruit complexity flourishes from the rich and sweet maltiness, trailing off with just a kiss of floral hoppiness.
M - Far "skinnier" than its full-bodied other self, this beer has plenty of alcohol to warm the innards as well as thin out the big and malty feel for a robust but certainly consumable (though high octane) beer!
O - This wonderful tweak to a classic presents a beautiful bouquet of lush dark fruit complexities so common to the quad style while bringing complimentary subtle vanilla notes from the toasted oak barrels and bourbon whiskey-like spice that equally compliments the Belgian yeast undertones. A bit thinner than it's counterpart, this version smells and tastes like it's heavier on the alcohol while remaining the same. Complex though much of the nuance to the beer is lost to the age, it's a fantastic beer nonetheless!
★ 1,690 characters
4.74/5 rDev +12.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Poured into a plastic opaque cup (so sue me, I’m at a hotel) from a 12.7 oz @ ~ 60F. Lot number is K03J11 BATCH 8.
A – Dark amber honey, with very little, a half finger say of white head, but that could be the stemware…. Very fine bubbles of carbonation. But the overwhelming sensation was the
S – which was delightfully fruity, like a mixed strawberry and raspberry patch in the cool of the early evening when the smell of berries hangs heavily in the air. Definitely un-beery.
T – Last time I had this I don’t remember being impressed, but that was before I understood that La Trappe actually made a few different types of ales and before I understood that my favorite of any type was a quad. Definite lighter fruits to start, lighter than a Bernardus or Rochefort. This gives way to a slightly sweet medicinal booziness and finishing with a slightly smoky flavor.
M – As noted, very fine carbonation and maybe…dense…at this temperature. Almost, like a Sierra Mist or Seven Up.
O – Rebuy. Very drinkable, smooth. Boozier than most others even though only 10% ABV
And this just in: after opening and writing review, I noted that this was not just the quad, this is the Oak Aged Trappist Ale quad from La Trappe.
★ 1,238 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Poured into a plastic opaque cup (so sue me, I’m at a hotel) from a 12.7 oz @ ~ 60F. Lot number is K03J11 BATCH 8.
A – Dark amber honey, with very little, a half finger say of white head, but that could be the stemware…. Very fine bubbles of carbonation. But the overwhelming sensation was the
S – which was delightfully fruity, like a mixed strawberry and raspberry patch in the cool of the early evening when the smell of berries hangs heavily in the air. Definitely un-beery.
T – Last time I had this I don’t remember being impressed, but that was before I understood that La Trappe actually made a few different types of ales and before I understood that my favorite of any type was a quad. Definite lighter fruits to start, lighter than a Bernardus or Rochefort. This gives way to a slightly sweet medicinal booziness and finishing with a slightly smoky flavor.
M – As noted, very fine carbonation and maybe…dense…at this temperature. Almost, like a Sierra Mist or Seven Up.
O – Rebuy. Very drinkable, smooth. Boozier than most others even though only 10% ABV
And this just in: after opening and writing review, I noted that this was not just the quad, this is the Oak Aged Trappist Ale quad from La Trappe.
★ 1,238 characters
4.72/5 rDev +12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a murky dark hazelnut with a few ruby highlights, with a nice lasting off-white creamy head. Nose is molasses, prunes, dates, candi sugars, a little port, some alcohol. Taste is an initial light sweetness transitioning to quite a heavy sweetness in the middle and finish. Palate is medium to full, verging on the syrupy, yet with lively carbonation which makes it a joy to sip. More warming alcohol, stewed fruits, biscuity malt and cinnamon sugars in the long finish.
★ 474 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a murky dark hazelnut with a few ruby highlights, with a nice lasting off-white creamy head. Nose is molasses, prunes, dates, candi sugars, a little port, some alcohol. Taste is an initial light sweetness transitioning to quite a heavy sweetness in the middle and finish. Palate is medium to full, verging on the syrupy, yet with lively carbonation which makes it a joy to sip. More warming alcohol, stewed fruits, biscuity malt and cinnamon sugars in the long finish.
★ 474 characters
4.71/5 rDev +12.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Pours an exquisite and hazy deep amber. Not much head, but a good amount of lacing. Smells of grapes, oak, and caramel. Then, there's the taste. Sweet malt, a nudge of bitter hops, then a familiar unctuous feel and flavor that reveals the oak aging. Full, creamy, round mouthfeel without being heavy. The 10% ABV warms on the way down, but doesn't overpower any of the magnificent flavors. Unsurprisingly, it becomes more complex and the flavors bolder as it warms.
★ 465 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Pours an exquisite and hazy deep amber. Not much head, but a good amount of lacing. Smells of grapes, oak, and caramel. Then, there's the taste. Sweet malt, a nudge of bitter hops, then a familiar unctuous feel and flavor that reveals the oak aging. Full, creamy, round mouthfeel without being heavy. The 10% ABV warms on the way down, but doesn't overpower any of the magnificent flavors. Unsurprisingly, it becomes more complex and the flavors bolder as it warms.
★ 465 characters
4.7/5 rDev +11.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Don't recall exactly what I paid for this corked and caged 12.7oz bottle, but I don't recall it being particularly cheap. I pour into an oversized snifter at 45 degrees to review. This is batch 3 as stamped on the back of the bottle.
Cork was a little tough to get out and a modest spurt of the carbonation lets me know it is not flat. The large off white dense head reconfirms that notion. A mysterious cloudy brown color which you can almost see through when held to the light. Superb lacing and a nice layer of retention sticks around the inner rim of the snifter.
First whiff is quite pleasing to me. Seemingly complex with sweet malts, dark fruits and a medicinal oakiness to it. Fig, raisin and prune all evident with an almost grape soda like sweetness to it. There is also molasses, brown sugar, Belgian spice and hints of butterscotch. I tell just through my nose that this is going to be velvety smooth with some welcomed warming from the alcohol.
This beer is damn near an oak bomb, if an oak bomb exists. The woody character takes on a smoky character as the beer warms. Dark fruits, lightly roasted malts. There is that warming alcohol.
As predicted, velvety smooth, a silkiness only the best Belgians retain. Perfect carbonation to hold up this medium-full body. World class mouthfeel.
This is a very impressive Belgian Dark. I can put it right up with my top 3 favorites in the style. If you run across it, get it!
★ 1,435 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Don't recall exactly what I paid for this corked and caged 12.7oz bottle, but I don't recall it being particularly cheap. I pour into an oversized snifter at 45 degrees to review. This is batch 3 as stamped on the back of the bottle.
Cork was a little tough to get out and a modest spurt of the carbonation lets me know it is not flat. The large off white dense head reconfirms that notion. A mysterious cloudy brown color which you can almost see through when held to the light. Superb lacing and a nice layer of retention sticks around the inner rim of the snifter.
First whiff is quite pleasing to me. Seemingly complex with sweet malts, dark fruits and a medicinal oakiness to it. Fig, raisin and prune all evident with an almost grape soda like sweetness to it. There is also molasses, brown sugar, Belgian spice and hints of butterscotch. I tell just through my nose that this is going to be velvety smooth with some welcomed warming from the alcohol.
This beer is damn near an oak bomb, if an oak bomb exists. The woody character takes on a smoky character as the beer warms. Dark fruits, lightly roasted malts. There is that warming alcohol.
As predicted, velvety smooth, a silkiness only the best Belgians retain. Perfect carbonation to hold up this medium-full body. World class mouthfeel.
This is a very impressive Belgian Dark. I can put it right up with my top 3 favorites in the style. If you run across it, get it!
★ 1,435 characters
4.69/5 rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
750ml bottle poured into a goblet. ABV 10%.
A - Poured a slightly opaque orange-gold colour with greenish tints near the edges. Big bubbly head reduced to surface bubbles. Some lacing.
S - Caramel, candy, herbs, spices, port, hint of booze. Smells really inviting.
T - Sweet, candy, caramel, dark fruit, hint of spice, oak, a bit of smokiness, a bit of booze. Complex yet well balanced flavour. For 10% ABV the booze is quite restrained.
M - Medium carbonation, medium-heavy body, some stickiness, a bit of burn, smooth and well balanced, crisp finish.
O - Wow this is good! Easy to drink for sure.
★ 603 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
750ml bottle poured into a goblet. ABV 10%.
A - Poured a slightly opaque orange-gold colour with greenish tints near the edges. Big bubbly head reduced to surface bubbles. Some lacing.
S - Caramel, candy, herbs, spices, port, hint of booze. Smells really inviting.
T - Sweet, candy, caramel, dark fruit, hint of spice, oak, a bit of smokiness, a bit of booze. Complex yet well balanced flavour. For 10% ABV the booze is quite restrained.
M - Medium carbonation, medium-heavy body, some stickiness, a bit of burn, smooth and well balanced, crisp finish.
O - Wow this is good! Easy to drink for sure.
★ 603 characters
4.68/5 rDev +11.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Batch #6 poured into a chalice at Monk's Cafe.
A: cloudy mud brown with a finger of foam. Looked like there were a ton of floaties. This guy was happy to emerge from the bottle after a few years.
S: Fruit, grass, orange, almond, hops, coffee, chocolate, oak, moss, peat. Most complex beer I've ever smelled.
T: I must reiterate what I said about the smell in regards to taste: it was mind blowing how complex and smooth this beer manages to be. Quite a paradox. I felt like I was eating an enchanted forest. This beer really is a meal to itself. It's almost too sweet for its own good. Maybe I should have been forced to enjoy it slower?
M: Like I said, very smooth. It was hard not to gulp it. If you want a strong alcohol taste to your beer, you wouldn't find that here, it hides well. It had a good lively feel to it but didn't force the carbonation feeling on you.
O: Fully developed palettes accustomed to fine wines and good food pairings will find even more to like here than I did. It's very flavorful and avoids the syrupiness of which some quads are accused (only Westy beats it in this regard). If you prefer bitterness or even just slight bitterness, I'd avoid it.
★ 1,181 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Batch #6 poured into a chalice at Monk's Cafe.
A: cloudy mud brown with a finger of foam. Looked like there were a ton of floaties. This guy was happy to emerge from the bottle after a few years.
S: Fruit, grass, orange, almond, hops, coffee, chocolate, oak, moss, peat. Most complex beer I've ever smelled.
T: I must reiterate what I said about the smell in regards to taste: it was mind blowing how complex and smooth this beer manages to be. Quite a paradox. I felt like I was eating an enchanted forest. This beer really is a meal to itself. It's almost too sweet for its own good. Maybe I should have been forced to enjoy it slower?
M: Like I said, very smooth. It was hard not to gulp it. If you want a strong alcohol taste to your beer, you wouldn't find that here, it hides well. It had a good lively feel to it but didn't force the carbonation feeling on you.
O: Fully developed palettes accustomed to fine wines and good food pairings will find even more to like here than I did. It's very flavorful and avoids the syrupiness of which some quads are accused (only Westy beats it in this regard). If you prefer bitterness or even just slight bitterness, I'd avoid it.
★ 1,181 characters
4.67/5 rDev +11.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
A: Half-opaque amber-brown, thin tan head, with a few dark undissolved solids hovering mid-glass.
S: Moderate notes of sweetness akin to brown sugar. Brandy is also present, as well as a hint of oak.
T: Medium taste of caramel with moderate chocolate and lighter notes of brandy and sherry. Pleasantly sweet but not overwhelmingly so.
M: Moderately thick for a quadrupel, with light carbonation. Full but not distracting from the flavor.
O: With an appearance that is borderline rustic and a taste that would nicely complement medium-dark caramel chocolate, this "trap" might lure you into paying a high price for another bottle.
★ 638 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
A: Half-opaque amber-brown, thin tan head, with a few dark undissolved solids hovering mid-glass.
S: Moderate notes of sweetness akin to brown sugar. Brandy is also present, as well as a hint of oak.
T: Medium taste of caramel with moderate chocolate and lighter notes of brandy and sherry. Pleasantly sweet but not overwhelmingly so.
M: Moderately thick for a quadrupel, with light carbonation. Full but not distracting from the flavor.
O: With an appearance that is borderline rustic and a taste that would nicely complement medium-dark caramel chocolate, this "trap" might lure you into paying a high price for another bottle.
★ 638 characters
4.67/5 rDev +11.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
BATCH #3
A: A foggy brownish amber with a head that barely hangs on.
S: Smells of deep rich figs with a great subtle layers of oak and cherry.
T: Deep caramel, cherry, bananas. The taste blended of rich fruits that melds perfectly together with the oak that kicks in, in the background. Extremely complex but far from overwhelming(in a good way). For sure worth the price.
M: Oh man it sits on your tongue perfectly. Nuff said
O: I have another one of these boys sitting in my cellar. I really can't wait to crack this one again at the 3 year mark. If you see it buy it and treat your taste buds.
★ 601 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
BATCH #3
A: A foggy brownish amber with a head that barely hangs on.
S: Smells of deep rich figs with a great subtle layers of oak and cherry.
T: Deep caramel, cherry, bananas. The taste blended of rich fruits that melds perfectly together with the oak that kicks in, in the background. Extremely complex but far from overwhelming(in a good way). For sure worth the price.
M: Oh man it sits on your tongue perfectly. Nuff said
O: I have another one of these boys sitting in my cellar. I really can't wait to crack this one again at the 3 year mark. If you see it buy it and treat your taste buds.
★ 601 characters
4.65/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
appearance murky Brown with red hues when held towards the light.
Smell-big candied fruit alcohol laced FIGS
also cherry
taste-candy covered fruit,a litte bit of a whisky note. Hardly any alchohol taste. this was my first time with this batch...cola and whiskey come through- barley wine characteristic. I much prefer the earlier batch with the exception of the white wine batch
mouth feels slightly carbonated smooth.
overall batch 8 is a delicious all around beer not as sweet as other batches
Great beer
★ 513 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
appearance murky Brown with red hues when held towards the light.
Smell-big candied fruit alcohol laced FIGS
also cherry
taste-candy covered fruit,a litte bit of a whisky note. Hardly any alchohol taste. this was my first time with this batch...cola and whiskey come through- barley wine characteristic. I much prefer the earlier batch with the exception of the white wine batch
mouth feels slightly carbonated smooth.
overall batch 8 is a delicious all around beer not as sweet as other batches
Great beer
★ 513 characters
4.64/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Batch 7
Thinnish white head, caramel body.
Nose is boozy with wood/peat (like Scotch), some cheese (like cheese with cranberries.
Taste is fantastic, spice, lots of fruit (plum, candied apple), significant chili pepper spicyness, and an ashen smoky, peaty finish. Drinks like a meal, dessert first, then main course.
Smooth, rich mouthfeel, carbonation is rather bright.
Fantastic taste, truly an exemplary quad.
Batch 6 is good as well, white wine is kind of an interesting choice, but the sweetness gets balanced by the smokiness in 7 and the dryness/vinuous tart character from the white wine in 6. Decent lacing, too. The dryness and sweetness kinda clash and its a bit rough feeling (like sandpaper tongue) but not bad.
★ 730 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Batch 7
Thinnish white head, caramel body.
Nose is boozy with wood/peat (like Scotch), some cheese (like cheese with cranberries.
Taste is fantastic, spice, lots of fruit (plum, candied apple), significant chili pepper spicyness, and an ashen smoky, peaty finish. Drinks like a meal, dessert first, then main course.
Smooth, rich mouthfeel, carbonation is rather bright.
Fantastic taste, truly an exemplary quad.
Batch 6 is good as well, white wine is kind of an interesting choice, but the sweetness gets balanced by the smokiness in 7 and the dryness/vinuous tart character from the white wine in 6. Decent lacing, too. The dryness and sweetness kinda clash and its a bit rough feeling (like sandpaper tongue) but not bad.
★ 730 characters
4.64/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
got my hands on a bottle while @ the Ginger Man in Midtown, NYC. Dark pour with forward aromas. Head retains itself well after pour. the Oak is not overpowering, a good complement to the dark sugars in the beer. The alcohol doesn't bite to hard at the tongue as in other higher alcohol beers do. overall a great drink that i would recommend to someone into oak-aged brews.
★ 372 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
got my hands on a bottle while @ the Ginger Man in Midtown, NYC. Dark pour with forward aromas. Head retains itself well after pour. the Oak is not overpowering, a good complement to the dark sugars in the beer. The alcohol doesn't bite to hard at the tongue as in other higher alcohol beers do. overall a great drink that i would recommend to someone into oak-aged brews.
★ 372 characters
4.62/5 rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Poured from the bottle into a challice/goblet. Batch #6, real long composite cork and no pop upon opening whatsoever.
A real dark garnet murky brown, body. Cloudy, there are some flakes in the body. Head forms nice and creamy looking with an off white, kind of yellow color. Manages to keep a nice puck throughout drinking.
What a nose on this beer. Aged in white wine barrels, real creamy smelling oaky vanilla dominates. White chocolate, cream, no heat whatsoever, like a bourbon aged barrel beer, I am shocked that this came from a wine barrel. Little bit of toffee
Taste follows with an unbelievable creamy texture. Whipped up merringue like cream, vanilla rich, small toffee, and a soft taffy candy like taste on the finish. Hints of sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, but nothing too sugary granular or crystalized sugar. Marshmallow in feel and subdued taste also!
This is a VERY unique tasting quad, never had anything like it, this is from wine barrels? Wow shocking. Fabulous beer.
★ 1,003 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Poured from the bottle into a challice/goblet. Batch #6, real long composite cork and no pop upon opening whatsoever.
A real dark garnet murky brown, body. Cloudy, there are some flakes in the body. Head forms nice and creamy looking with an off white, kind of yellow color. Manages to keep a nice puck throughout drinking.
What a nose on this beer. Aged in white wine barrels, real creamy smelling oaky vanilla dominates. White chocolate, cream, no heat whatsoever, like a bourbon aged barrel beer, I am shocked that this came from a wine barrel. Little bit of toffee
Taste follows with an unbelievable creamy texture. Whipped up merringue like cream, vanilla rich, small toffee, and a soft taffy candy like taste on the finish. Hints of sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, but nothing too sugary granular or crystalized sugar. Marshmallow in feel and subdued taste also!
This is a VERY unique tasting quad, never had anything like it, this is from wine barrels? Wow shocking. Fabulous beer.
★ 1,003 characters
La Trappe Quadrupel (Oak Aged) from Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven B.V.
4.2
out of 5
based on 566 ratings.
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Looks rich in color, bronze cant see thru it. Smells like caramel apple pie. Taste is complex....has a bitter bite sorta like sour apple and coffee with honey and a tangy aftertaste. I would definitely drink another...its one of my favorites. A great addition to any cellar.
★ 274 characters