Dad Bod Quad
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

 

fobab 2023

Middle aged life will cause a lot of confusion and conflict for many dads out there. And if that strife has them torn between fortified wine or strong beer then Firestone Walker has a beer for them. Aged in brandy barrels and make as a Belgain-styled quad, the dad beer has it all.

Dad Bod Quad gets going with a rusty garnet brown, somewhat muddy appearance, hazy and crowning with a frothy ivory cap. As sweeter aromas of dark sugars greet the nose, so do a host of dark, dried, pitted fruits with a spicy vinous twang. Similarly sweet in taste, the early palate is chocked full of brown sugar, sorghum and gingersnaps.

Then as the ale washes the middle palate, the fruit flavors take center stage with the ale's natural and estery fruitiness of date, fig, raisin and grape. As the rise of spices bring elements of peppercorn, holiday spice and woodsy bitterness for balance, the brandy influence once again tips the balance to the fruitiness.

But finishing warm, brandy-like, woodsy and with a hint of tartness, the finish is an even-keel taste of fruit and spice heading into an aftertaste of mulled wine and caramelized malts.

 

 

 

Bottle pour - 2023 BC version 11.5% - deep dark mahogany with foamy beige head leaving scattered lacing and bubbles. Nose is mild brandy barrel and yeasty esters. Taste follows with a slight sweetness that lingers on the finish.

 

Brown, no foam from the tap.

Malt but feint.

Cola-ish, like Straffe Hendrik, but no fruit, no dark chocolate or herbal notes. Touch metallic.

Very dry, light body.