Terrible
Unibroue
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- Quadrupel (Quad)
Ranked #14 - ABV:
- 10.5%
- Score:
- 93
Ranked #1,748 - Avg:
- 4.2 | pDev: 10.95%
- Reviews:
- 988
- Ratings:
- From:
- Unibroue
- Quebec, Canada
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 162
- Gots
- 389
SCORE
93
Outstanding
93
Outstanding
Notes:
In 2002, when the SAQ requested an exclusive new high-end product, Unibroue responded with Terrible. Given its dark colour and 10.5% alcohol content (a first for Unibroue), we knew that this Belgian quadruple-style ale might very well be greeted with reticence.
So we gave it a name that would evoke terror and worry, but also something extraordinary, formidable and awe-inspiring. From here on out, no other beer can ever be called Terrible.
So we gave it a name that would evoke terror and worry, but also something extraordinary, formidable and awe-inspiring. From here on out, no other beer can ever be called Terrible.
Reviews: 988
| Ratings: 2,319
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milkshakebeersucks from Maryland
4.34/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Deep mahogany hue with a large beige head and little lacing. Arresting array of aromas, from the trademark Unibroue yeastiness, to the dark fruit and the dessert wine qualities. More dark fruit greets the taste buds, along with toffee, licorice, seasonal spices, chocolate - all adding to the complexity. Surprisingly, not too thick on the palate, with lively carbonation. Full-to-medium bodied mouthfeel; warms the gut before the buzz sets in. Long lasting, enduring finish.
Dec 21, 2020
4.34/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Deep mahogany hue with a large beige head and little lacing. Arresting array of aromas, from the trademark Unibroue yeastiness, to the dark fruit and the dessert wine qualities. More dark fruit greets the taste buds, along with toffee, licorice, seasonal spices, chocolate - all adding to the complexity. Surprisingly, not too thick on the palate, with lively carbonation. Full-to-medium bodied mouthfeel; warms the gut before the buzz sets in. Long lasting, enduring finish.
Dec 21, 2020
mothman from Minnesota
4.14/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle. Khaki head. Lace. Caramel dark brown.
Molasses, Belgium candied syrup, brown sugar, caramel, toffee, red apple skins, pears. True to style. Full bodied. Smooth. Maybe a tad too much carbonation.
Nov 26, 2020
4.14/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle. Khaki head. Lace. Caramel dark brown.
Molasses, Belgium candied syrup, brown sugar, caramel, toffee, red apple skins, pears. True to style. Full bodied. Smooth. Maybe a tad too much carbonation.
Nov 26, 2020
sjrider from California
4.21/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bottle - very dark with short khaki head leaving scattered bubbly lacing. Nose is sweet dark fruit on the funky side. Taste is malty with some yeast, spice and dark fruit that tends to lean sweet. Finishes with moderate carbonation and a slight funk, ABV well hidden. Quite tasty.
Nov 25, 2020
4.21/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bottle - very dark with short khaki head leaving scattered bubbly lacing. Nose is sweet dark fruit on the funky side. Taste is malty with some yeast, spice and dark fruit that tends to lean sweet. Finishes with moderate carbonation and a slight funk, ABV well hidden. Quite tasty.
Nov 25, 2020
mactrail from Washington
4.03/5 rDev -4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Very dark but apparently "clear" brew with abundant fine-grained foam in the Chimay chalice. Sudsy and lush on the tongue. While this is seriously malty the Belgian yeast sucks the sweetness out of the finish. Or something like that. In any case it's very dry after that sweet splash on the lips.
It tastes hot going down the gullet but doesn't really taste of alcohol with so much going on. Dark malt with hints of raisins, ginger, fruitcake, and a licorice aftertaste. But overall it's the Belgian yeast.
I would say as a Quad this is pretty much a measuring stick. It's got all the flavors, eye-opening Belgian character, and is highly drinkable due to the dry finish. So many Quads are sugary death traps. From the 750 ml bottle purchased in the far West.
Oct 23, 2020
4.03/5 rDev -4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Very dark but apparently "clear" brew with abundant fine-grained foam in the Chimay chalice. Sudsy and lush on the tongue. While this is seriously malty the Belgian yeast sucks the sweetness out of the finish. Or something like that. In any case it's very dry after that sweet splash on the lips.
It tastes hot going down the gullet but doesn't really taste of alcohol with so much going on. Dark malt with hints of raisins, ginger, fruitcake, and a licorice aftertaste. But overall it's the Belgian yeast.
I would say as a Quad this is pretty much a measuring stick. It's got all the flavors, eye-opening Belgian character, and is highly drinkable due to the dry finish. So many Quads are sugary death traps. From the 750 ml bottle purchased in the far West.
Oct 23, 2020
altstadt from Canada (BC)
4.1/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 5
Opaque black or very dark brown color. Poured a short head of mixed size bubbles which quickly dropped down to a skiff of tiny bubbles being refreshed with a high flow of new bubbles rising from below. The head was very noisy as bubbles were popping. Left large patches of lacing.
Fruity and funky smells. Light aroma of caramelized dark malt. Generally sweet smelling. Swirling the glass kicked up more fruit (stonefruit like peaches?), added a light mint, and a very faint barnyard. This is lighter smelling than I expected.
Hard to taste anything until the foam dies down a bit, then there is a strong dark caramel and gingerbread malt that is mildly sweet. Plum and light spice flavors. Strong alcohol flavor that comes across as more spice after a while. Mild bitters. The aftertaste kicks up the bitters and a malt that is just short of being burned. Slight touch of soy sauce. The alcohol reasserts itself in the aftertaste.
Explodes into medium bubbled foam which actually blocks a lot of the flavor at first. The foam quickly drops down to mostly fluid. Bit of an alcohol burn. Medium-heavy body.
Surprisingly light smell and initial flavor. The flavor really doesn't fully present until the carbonation has died off. I've had beers with higher alcohol levels and not really noticed it, but this one pushes the alcohol as a major flavor component. Oddly the alcohol tastes far stronger than most fortified wines. Purchased in a mix pack. No idea what vintage it might be.
Oct 06, 2020
4.1/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 5
Opaque black or very dark brown color. Poured a short head of mixed size bubbles which quickly dropped down to a skiff of tiny bubbles being refreshed with a high flow of new bubbles rising from below. The head was very noisy as bubbles were popping. Left large patches of lacing.
Fruity and funky smells. Light aroma of caramelized dark malt. Generally sweet smelling. Swirling the glass kicked up more fruit (stonefruit like peaches?), added a light mint, and a very faint barnyard. This is lighter smelling than I expected.
Hard to taste anything until the foam dies down a bit, then there is a strong dark caramel and gingerbread malt that is mildly sweet. Plum and light spice flavors. Strong alcohol flavor that comes across as more spice after a while. Mild bitters. The aftertaste kicks up the bitters and a malt that is just short of being burned. Slight touch of soy sauce. The alcohol reasserts itself in the aftertaste.
Explodes into medium bubbled foam which actually blocks a lot of the flavor at first. The foam quickly drops down to mostly fluid. Bit of an alcohol burn. Medium-heavy body.
Surprisingly light smell and initial flavor. The flavor really doesn't fully present until the carbonation has died off. I've had beers with higher alcohol levels and not really noticed it, but this one pushes the alcohol as a major flavor component. Oddly the alcohol tastes far stronger than most fortified wines. Purchased in a mix pack. No idea what vintage it might be.
Oct 06, 2020
stortore from Illinois
4.24/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750 ml bottle into a goblet. Best by 2/14/22, had 4/25/20.
Pours a dark ruby brown, semi opaque, with a half inch foamy head and light, soapy lacing. Aromas of purple grapes, malt, toffee, Candi sugar, cloves, other spices, some strawberries, light Belgian yeast, light wine. The flavor is similar- purple grapes, malt, Candi sugar, cloves, other spices, some plums, light strawberries, light wine. Smooth, a solid medium to full body, well carbonated.
Solid from top to bottom. A classic rendition of the style that leans to grapes instead of dark fruit. Very enjoyable and well worth a purchase.
R113013
Apr 30, 2020
4.24/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750 ml bottle into a goblet. Best by 2/14/22, had 4/25/20.
Pours a dark ruby brown, semi opaque, with a half inch foamy head and light, soapy lacing. Aromas of purple grapes, malt, toffee, Candi sugar, cloves, other spices, some strawberries, light Belgian yeast, light wine. The flavor is similar- purple grapes, malt, Candi sugar, cloves, other spices, some plums, light strawberries, light wine. Smooth, a solid medium to full body, well carbonated.
Solid from top to bottom. A classic rendition of the style that leans to grapes instead of dark fruit. Very enjoyable and well worth a purchase.
R113013
Apr 30, 2020
jkblr from Indiana
4.14/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750mL corked bottle BB 02-14-22 (about 3 years old) poured into a chalice at just above fridge temp 10.5% ABV 45 SRM 15 IBU. The beer pours dark brown with minimal highlights and light brown head. The head recedes to a thin ring and single layer of bubbles. Slight lacing. The aroma is sweet brown sugar with notes of raisin, plum, cherry and red grape. The taste is brown sugar and malt sweetness up front with the assorted dried & dark fruits showing up next before a barely bitter finish. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with above average carbonation and a semi dry finish. No alcohol presence in the aroma or taste. Overall, very good. This is a really malt driven quad, without any overt yeast driven quality at a great price. Mine was purchased recently, at room temperature, and had minimal oxidation.
Mar 29, 2020
4.14/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750mL corked bottle BB 02-14-22 (about 3 years old) poured into a chalice at just above fridge temp 10.5% ABV 45 SRM 15 IBU. The beer pours dark brown with minimal highlights and light brown head. The head recedes to a thin ring and single layer of bubbles. Slight lacing. The aroma is sweet brown sugar with notes of raisin, plum, cherry and red grape. The taste is brown sugar and malt sweetness up front with the assorted dried & dark fruits showing up next before a barely bitter finish. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with above average carbonation and a semi dry finish. No alcohol presence in the aroma or taste. Overall, very good. This is a really malt driven quad, without any overt yeast driven quality at a great price. Mine was purchased recently, at room temperature, and had minimal oxidation.
Mar 29, 2020
GuyFawkes from Illinois
4.17/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Unknown vintage; drank 1/14/20 @ Hopleaf.
Black/brown appearance.
Decent khaki head; strong lace.
Rhubarb, leather, strawberry & faint fresh earth notes in the nose.
Creamy, medium thick mouthfeel.
Rhubarb, cream, strawberry & fresh earth flavors; strong clove notes and no booze heat on the finish.
Unique, to be sure, but tasty as well.
Jan 16, 2020
4.17/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Unknown vintage; drank 1/14/20 @ Hopleaf.
Black/brown appearance.
Decent khaki head; strong lace.
Rhubarb, leather, strawberry & faint fresh earth notes in the nose.
Creamy, medium thick mouthfeel.
Rhubarb, cream, strawberry & fresh earth flavors; strong clove notes and no booze heat on the finish.
Unique, to be sure, but tasty as well.
Jan 16, 2020
puck1225 from Texas
4.25/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Nice cold weather beer! Beautiful beer as well.
Poured a dark reddish brown color with thick, creamy head and excellent curtain lacing. Absolutely wonderful initial smell and taste of cherries and strawberries. This gives over to dark fruit, molasses, a hint of milk chocolate, and a bit of booze. A comforting beer!
Dec 20, 2019
4.25/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Nice cold weather beer! Beautiful beer as well.
Poured a dark reddish brown color with thick, creamy head and excellent curtain lacing. Absolutely wonderful initial smell and taste of cherries and strawberries. This gives over to dark fruit, molasses, a hint of milk chocolate, and a bit of booze. A comforting beer!
Dec 20, 2019
octortus from Canada (ON)
3.86/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
341 mL Bottle. ABV 10.5%.
Appearance: Dark brown/almost black, One finger of creamy/slightly airy beige head, Decent retention, Cap remains.
Aroma: Raisin, Plum, Slight caramel, Candi sugar, Yeast, Something was off here though. Not very inviting.
Mouthfeel: Medium-Full body, Moderate carbonation, Slick, Creamy, Slightly sticky, Well hidden alcohol.
Flavour: Raisin, Prune, Spice, Bready malts, Dried dark fruit, Slight caramel, Yeast.
Overall: Something in the aroma didn't seem right and was a big detractor for this beer. I could get the more expected notes with some effort. I'd like to have it again as the flavour was characteristic and well balanced.
Review: 74
Oct 14, 2019
3.86/5 rDev -8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
341 mL Bottle. ABV 10.5%.
Appearance: Dark brown/almost black, One finger of creamy/slightly airy beige head, Decent retention, Cap remains.
Aroma: Raisin, Plum, Slight caramel, Candi sugar, Yeast, Something was off here though. Not very inviting.
Mouthfeel: Medium-Full body, Moderate carbonation, Slick, Creamy, Slightly sticky, Well hidden alcohol.
Flavour: Raisin, Prune, Spice, Bready malts, Dried dark fruit, Slight caramel, Yeast.
Overall: Something in the aroma didn't seem right and was a big detractor for this beer. I could get the more expected notes with some effort. I'd like to have it again as the flavour was characteristic and well balanced.
Review: 74
Oct 14, 2019
HoppingMadMonk from New Jersey
4.24/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Cloudy murky brownish color. Just above average body with about a medium amount of carbonation
Aroma is a complex mix of malty bread,sugary dough,dark fruit and spice, with a hint of milk chocolate
Taste was also a mix of everything found in the aroma,sort of a pleasant chocolate covered fruit bread. Alcohol is very well hidden and barely played into the taste for me
Aug 10, 2019
4.24/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Cloudy murky brownish color. Just above average body with about a medium amount of carbonation
Aroma is a complex mix of malty bread,sugary dough,dark fruit and spice, with a hint of milk chocolate
Taste was also a mix of everything found in the aroma,sort of a pleasant chocolate covered fruit bread. Alcohol is very well hidden and barely played into the taste for me
Aug 10, 2019
Wg1041 from Alaska
4.54/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: Pours a dark amber color. Think coke. Medium carbonation. Big head, dissipated quickly. Wasn’t expecting the champagne pop I got when I opened the bottle. Should have pointed it in a safe direction.
S: Vinous aroma right off the bat. Clove and nutmeg. Sweet, candy. Slight, slight hops. Getting scents of fruit, maybe cherry.
Taste: Vinous taste. Grape, bread, Malts, slightly tart, very slight alcohol burn as it evaporates off tongue.
Feel: Smooth, very smooth. If beer and wine had a baby and melted in your mouth...this is it.
Overall: Excellent. Whew. Wasn’t expecting it to be this good. Wow. Will absolutely be enjoying this again! Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed.
Jul 06, 2019
4.54/5 rDev +8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: Pours a dark amber color. Think coke. Medium carbonation. Big head, dissipated quickly. Wasn’t expecting the champagne pop I got when I opened the bottle. Should have pointed it in a safe direction.
S: Vinous aroma right off the bat. Clove and nutmeg. Sweet, candy. Slight, slight hops. Getting scents of fruit, maybe cherry.
Taste: Vinous taste. Grape, bread, Malts, slightly tart, very slight alcohol burn as it evaporates off tongue.
Feel: Smooth, very smooth. If beer and wine had a baby and melted in your mouth...this is it.
Overall: Excellent. Whew. Wasn’t expecting it to be this good. Wow. Will absolutely be enjoying this again! Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed.
Jul 06, 2019
Gadzook from Georgia
4.27/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a tulip.
L: Pours deep dark chestnut with ruby/amber tint depending on the light. Very little light comes through unless you have it right up to it. Two-finger head of light khaki rocky foam leaves behind gorgeous lacing.
S: Sweet bread malts. Candy sugar. Nutmeg and clove. Light grapes and fruit. Very light yeast and alcohol. Hints of raisin.
T: Nice sweetness up front, not cloying or overpowering. Malt forward. Very roasty, mild caramel. Bready. Subtle spice in the form of clove and notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Yeast comes through on the back end, as does the alcohol and booziness. Subtle red wine notes. Fairly complex. Wine comes more forward as it warms, as do the caramel malts.
F: Heavier side of medium body. Carbonation is moderate, creating a fairly creamy mouthfeel. Alcohol warming is very pleasant.
O: This is great. It's easy to drink, and it pays off to let it warm a bit. Great beer to sit with.
May 04, 2019
4.27/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a tulip.
L: Pours deep dark chestnut with ruby/amber tint depending on the light. Very little light comes through unless you have it right up to it. Two-finger head of light khaki rocky foam leaves behind gorgeous lacing.
S: Sweet bread malts. Candy sugar. Nutmeg and clove. Light grapes and fruit. Very light yeast and alcohol. Hints of raisin.
T: Nice sweetness up front, not cloying or overpowering. Malt forward. Very roasty, mild caramel. Bready. Subtle spice in the form of clove and notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Yeast comes through on the back end, as does the alcohol and booziness. Subtle red wine notes. Fairly complex. Wine comes more forward as it warms, as do the caramel malts.
F: Heavier side of medium body. Carbonation is moderate, creating a fairly creamy mouthfeel. Alcohol warming is very pleasant.
O: This is great. It's easy to drink, and it pays off to let it warm a bit. Great beer to sit with.
May 04, 2019
Gajo74 from New York
4.1/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Pours a dark amber brown color with a big thick head. Great head retention along with soapy lacing.
Bready, amber malts and dark candi syrup aromas bring forth sweetness. They are complimented by spices; I detect cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. A vinous aroma develops strongly, hinting at red grape, raisin, plum and currants.
Vinous and fruity in taste, evoking a wine on the sweeter side. Flavors evoke red grape, raisin, plum and fig, amidst a full flavored creamy malt profile, caramel and candi syrup. Light spice flavors of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg balance things out, as does a tiny hint of berry, cherry and currant like tartness. A rich chocolate flavored finish rounds things off nicely.
Medium full bodied with a moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety. Little to no trace of alcohol; very drinkable for the ABV.
A BSDA that is a bit on the sweet side. It hit the right notes for the style.
Feb 20, 2019
4.1/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Pours a dark amber brown color with a big thick head. Great head retention along with soapy lacing.
Bready, amber malts and dark candi syrup aromas bring forth sweetness. They are complimented by spices; I detect cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. A vinous aroma develops strongly, hinting at red grape, raisin, plum and currants.
Vinous and fruity in taste, evoking a wine on the sweeter side. Flavors evoke red grape, raisin, plum and fig, amidst a full flavored creamy malt profile, caramel and candi syrup. Light spice flavors of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg balance things out, as does a tiny hint of berry, cherry and currant like tartness. A rich chocolate flavored finish rounds things off nicely.
Medium full bodied with a moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety. Little to no trace of alcohol; very drinkable for the ABV.
A BSDA that is a bit on the sweet side. It hit the right notes for the style.
Feb 20, 2019
detgfrsh from Texas
4.21/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
On tap. Dark brown color with minimal head. Smells of brown sugar and raisins. Thick body. Taste is similar to the smell - sweet bready malt followed by dark fruit and noticeable alcohol. A great quad!
Feb 03, 2019
4.21/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
On tap. Dark brown color with minimal head. Smells of brown sugar and raisins. Thick body. Taste is similar to the smell - sweet bready malt followed by dark fruit and noticeable alcohol. A great quad!
Feb 03, 2019
cardfan212 from Minnesota
3.77/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a 750 mL bottle into a goblet.
Look - A deep rich mocha brown with some cloudiness to it. A dense white head quickly builds up and collapses into some mild lacing.
Smell - White grapes, pears, and light breadiness. Less fragrant than other Belgian ales.
Taste - Caramel and milk chocolate sweetness immediately up front that trails off into a slight estery Belgian yeast tang and ends on a peppery, earthy bitterness. Fairly mild for a strong ale.
Feel - Mild unobtrusive carbonation atop a thick chewy body. The alcohol lets you know it's there though.
Overall - A decent attempt at a Belgian ale, but it's just slightly off of great. Normally I can't stand Belgian styles brewed outside of Belgium, but this one gets a pass from me.
Jan 26, 2019
3.77/5 rDev -10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Poured from a 750 mL bottle into a goblet.
Look - A deep rich mocha brown with some cloudiness to it. A dense white head quickly builds up and collapses into some mild lacing.
Smell - White grapes, pears, and light breadiness. Less fragrant than other Belgian ales.
Taste - Caramel and milk chocolate sweetness immediately up front that trails off into a slight estery Belgian yeast tang and ends on a peppery, earthy bitterness. Fairly mild for a strong ale.
Feel - Mild unobtrusive carbonation atop a thick chewy body. The alcohol lets you know it's there though.
Overall - A decent attempt at a Belgian ale, but it's just slightly off of great. Normally I can't stand Belgian styles brewed outside of Belgium, but this one gets a pass from me.
Jan 26, 2019
Beersnake1 from California
4.49/5 rDev +6.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from fridge temp into a tulip glass. Pours dark brown with substantial head that dissipates fairly quickly. Nose is raisin, fig, yeast, bread, cherries, toffee. Taste is amazing. Sweet molasses, toffee, dark fruit, bread, pie crust, Belgian yeast, vanilla, and raisin. Mouthfeel is creamy and thick bodied. A great sweet aftertaste. This is an incredible beer from Unibroue - probably my favorite.
Nov 23, 2018
4.49/5 rDev +6.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from fridge temp into a tulip glass. Pours dark brown with substantial head that dissipates fairly quickly. Nose is raisin, fig, yeast, bread, cherries, toffee. Taste is amazing. Sweet molasses, toffee, dark fruit, bread, pie crust, Belgian yeast, vanilla, and raisin. Mouthfeel is creamy and thick bodied. A great sweet aftertaste. This is an incredible beer from Unibroue - probably my favorite.
Nov 23, 2018
taxandbeerguy from Canada (ON)
4.37/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
341 ml bottle served fairly cold into a chalice. Part of this years Unibroue mixed pack. I've been looking for this beer for a few years. Only qualm is that it replaces La Fin Du Monde, which is arguably the best tripel in the world. Anyway on to the review...
Appearance - super dark brown, nearly black. Two fingers of big fluffy tan head. Lots of spidery lacing. Gorgeous brew. Monster retention time.
Smell - dark fruit with figs and prunes and a surprisingly robust apple and pear combo. Candi sugar and Caramel too. Different, unique and pretty wow worthy.
Taste - buttery butter tarts, with a dash of pear, followed by strong taste of buttery brown sugar, turns slightly bitter with treacle and molasses to close. Slight bit of vanilla and spices that provides obvious points of comparison with La Resolution and the 25 year anniversary brew. Some booziness. booze soaked chocolate covered raisins galore after a few sips.
Mouthfeel - medium- heavy bodied, lots of carbonation, easy drinking with considerably warmth in the back of the throat. Medium dry finish.
Overall - worth the wait and top notch BSDA. Highlight of the Christmas pack.
Nov 17, 2018
4.37/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
341 ml bottle served fairly cold into a chalice. Part of this years Unibroue mixed pack. I've been looking for this beer for a few years. Only qualm is that it replaces La Fin Du Monde, which is arguably the best tripel in the world. Anyway on to the review...
Appearance - super dark brown, nearly black. Two fingers of big fluffy tan head. Lots of spidery lacing. Gorgeous brew. Monster retention time.
Smell - dark fruit with figs and prunes and a surprisingly robust apple and pear combo. Candi sugar and Caramel too. Different, unique and pretty wow worthy.
Taste - buttery butter tarts, with a dash of pear, followed by strong taste of buttery brown sugar, turns slightly bitter with treacle and molasses to close. Slight bit of vanilla and spices that provides obvious points of comparison with La Resolution and the 25 year anniversary brew. Some booziness. booze soaked chocolate covered raisins galore after a few sips.
Mouthfeel - medium- heavy bodied, lots of carbonation, easy drinking with considerably warmth in the back of the throat. Medium dry finish.
Overall - worth the wait and top notch BSDA. Highlight of the Christmas pack.
Nov 17, 2018
brewandbbq from New Hampshire
3.85/5 rDev -8.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
750ml bottle from 2002.
Pours dark brown with mahogany edgework and a minimal head or retention. Raisins with wine-soaked prunes and a hint of cocoa-dusted grape in the nose. Medium bodied with a slickish, almost oily mouthfeel. Chocolate -drizzled figs, rum-soaked raisins, and a mild booziness on the palate. Finishes a bit sweet with lingering raisins and chocolate.
Pretty tasty for an almost 17 year old brew.
Nov 10, 2018
3.85/5 rDev -8.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
750ml bottle from 2002.
Pours dark brown with mahogany edgework and a minimal head or retention. Raisins with wine-soaked prunes and a hint of cocoa-dusted grape in the nose. Medium bodied with a slickish, almost oily mouthfeel. Chocolate -drizzled figs, rum-soaked raisins, and a mild booziness on the palate. Finishes a bit sweet with lingering raisins and chocolate.
Pretty tasty for an almost 17 year old brew.
Nov 10, 2018
LifesAnesthesia from Virginia
4.39/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L - Deep murky brown with mahogany highlights around the edges with a thin tan head that dissipates quickly leaving behind minimal lacing.
S - Tons of sweet malt up front on the nose followed by notes of dark fruits - cherries, figs, plum, caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, toffee. The smell could be a little stronger however.
T - Follows the nose: tons of sweet, bready yeast and malt up front, followed by notes of dark fruits - cherries, figs, plum, caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, toffee. Not a hint of alcohol on the palate.
F - Medium to full bodied with a moderate amount of carbonation. Crisp, silky, and smooth.
O - This is a fantastic quad - I wish maybe the flavors were a little stronger - same for the smell. That said, the flavors are there and they are quite good. Definitely one of my favorite quads.
Nov 10, 2018
4.39/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L - Deep murky brown with mahogany highlights around the edges with a thin tan head that dissipates quickly leaving behind minimal lacing.
S - Tons of sweet malt up front on the nose followed by notes of dark fruits - cherries, figs, plum, caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, toffee. The smell could be a little stronger however.
T - Follows the nose: tons of sweet, bready yeast and malt up front, followed by notes of dark fruits - cherries, figs, plum, caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, toffee. Not a hint of alcohol on the palate.
F - Medium to full bodied with a moderate amount of carbonation. Crisp, silky, and smooth.
O - This is a fantastic quad - I wish maybe the flavors were a little stronger - same for the smell. That said, the flavors are there and they are quite good. Definitely one of my favorite quads.
Nov 10, 2018
iguanodon from Utah
4.1/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
[Original rating 2013-05-24] Pours dark brown / red with a coarse tan head. Aroma is sweet malt, cherries, hint of banana bread. Taste is sweet caramel, raisin, date, cherry. Sweet malt finish. Great mouth feel, lively carbonation.
Oct 04, 2018
4.1/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
[Original rating 2013-05-24] Pours dark brown / red with a coarse tan head. Aroma is sweet malt, cherries, hint of banana bread. Taste is sweet caramel, raisin, date, cherry. Sweet malt finish. Great mouth feel, lively carbonation.
Oct 04, 2018
quadmad from Canada (ON)
4.36/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Long-lasting creamy off-white head. Excellent lacing. Served in my Duvel glass. Aroma goes right to the back of your throat. No light penetration at all Unibroue sure makes good beer.
Sep 22, 2018
4.36/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Long-lasting creamy off-white head. Excellent lacing. Served in my Duvel glass. Aroma goes right to the back of your throat. No light penetration at all Unibroue sure makes good beer.
Sep 22, 2018
Cramshawbar from Canada (ON)
4.53/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A wonderful homage to Belgian quadruple.
I bought a six pack Unibroue sampler, just to try this. Most of the box is a throwaway but not this. All the elements are here: plum, caramel, toffee and the rest. Really well done.
Aug 17, 2018
4.53/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A wonderful homage to Belgian quadruple.
I bought a six pack Unibroue sampler, just to try this. Most of the box is a throwaway but not this. All the elements are here: plum, caramel, toffee and the rest. Really well done.
Aug 17, 2018
StonedTrippin from Colorado
4.25/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
a full fledged original gangster of a beer here, one of the classics in its style, especially this side of the pond. different from any of them though, with a very original yeast complexion in here, and as much savory and umami as there is sweet in it, everything from molasses to burnt pie crust to a thick soy reduction, there sure is a lot going on, but its so well integrated, layered, complex, and expertly built that it all seems to make perfect sense, it has a lot to say, and i am all ears! the deepest brown color with a nice body evident and a creamy beige head from the tap, bubbly but patient still, not overly blowing up, regal and mellow, but still very belgian looking, slick looking shine to it as well. traces of smoke and raisin here, cognac and dark candy syrup, treacle and licorice root, wet tobacco and charcoal, birch and leather, old man and soil, its awesome, like no other. thicker body is pushed on by brisk carbonation, yet the palate remains coated with all the grainy cooked goodness, and it warms me from the inside. slight brine here at the end with the sweet, rye bread, cocktail cherries, dates and fig jam, along with the esters of the belgian yeast floating well above it all. brilliant liquid, famous for a reason. genre defining really...
Jul 30, 2018
4.25/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
a full fledged original gangster of a beer here, one of the classics in its style, especially this side of the pond. different from any of them though, with a very original yeast complexion in here, and as much savory and umami as there is sweet in it, everything from molasses to burnt pie crust to a thick soy reduction, there sure is a lot going on, but its so well integrated, layered, complex, and expertly built that it all seems to make perfect sense, it has a lot to say, and i am all ears! the deepest brown color with a nice body evident and a creamy beige head from the tap, bubbly but patient still, not overly blowing up, regal and mellow, but still very belgian looking, slick looking shine to it as well. traces of smoke and raisin here, cognac and dark candy syrup, treacle and licorice root, wet tobacco and charcoal, birch and leather, old man and soil, its awesome, like no other. thicker body is pushed on by brisk carbonation, yet the palate remains coated with all the grainy cooked goodness, and it warms me from the inside. slight brine here at the end with the sweet, rye bread, cocktail cherries, dates and fig jam, along with the esters of the belgian yeast floating well above it all. brilliant liquid, famous for a reason. genre defining really...
Jul 30, 2018
Herbabee from Pennsylvania
4.75/5 rDev +13.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Quads are just my most favorite style, and to my nose, tongue, palate, throat, bloodstream, this is ... Perfect. Sweet in action, but so smooth and dry after the swallow and finish. Excellently balanced, while representing all the character traits of the style.
Will be on a perpetual scavenger hunt to snap up more of these rare and delectable vessels. To join the good company of the cellar collection.
A distinctively pleasant surprise.
Jul 30, 2018
4.75/5 rDev +13.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Quads are just my most favorite style, and to my nose, tongue, palate, throat, bloodstream, this is ... Perfect. Sweet in action, but so smooth and dry after the swallow and finish. Excellently balanced, while representing all the character traits of the style.
Will be on a perpetual scavenger hunt to snap up more of these rare and delectable vessels. To join the good company of the cellar collection.
A distinctively pleasant surprise.
Jul 30, 2018
Terrible from Unibroue
Beer rating:
93 out of
100 with
2319 ratings
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