Quandary
River North Brewery

 

Earthy cherry-red body, mostly clear; dense, very active carbonation; good head, one-finger thick and lasting, densely sudsy; light khaki hued. Heavenly candi sugar sweetness on the nose; fresh black cherry; red licorice. The taste is mellower form of the smell; gentle sweetness carrying the candi sugar and cherry elements; subliminal booziness; mild anise tones. Incredible mouthfeel; dense yet with a velvety softness; pillowy sweetness; a deft undercurrent of alcohol warmth adds depth; subtle stickiness.

This beautiful American rendition of a quadrupel is simply wonderful. It nails all the baseline qualities one would want for this style. The mouthfeel itself is just divine. Well-crafted, intriguing depth and complexity with just an all-around pleasing drinking experience makes this a well-rounded and very enjoyable beer.

ABV: 10.4%; pouring temperature: 64.2 ℉; bottling info: n/a (assumed bottled in early 2025)
Source: local purchase (Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits)

 

12.7 oz. Bottle

Poured into a Tree House glass a pretty nice transulcent dark brown color, very nice carbonation, with a pretty nice thick/creamy one-finger off-white head, which leaves some pretty nice sticky lacing behind. The nose is malty, yeasty, with a nice dark fruit complex (cherries, grapes, figs, dates, plums). The taste is malty, yeasty, with a very nice touch of a dark fruit complex (cherries, grapes, figs, dates, plums). Medium body, ABV hidden pretty well, a nice complex brew. Overall, very tasty.

Pours a murky brown-burgundy with a thin layer of fizzy khaki head on top. Aroma is apple, cinnamon, dark fruits, and clove. Flavor profile is apple and dark fruits up front. The dark fruits become more apparent later in the flavor profile, mixing with molasses, and caramel notes giving it a sweet finish. Mouth feel is medium in thickness and still, with only a slight touch of carbonation graininess to it. Overall, a sugary sweet sipping quadruple. It doesn't drink super thick or heavy.

Served in a 12oz snifter from a 22oz bottle.

Hazy dark amber/brown colored brew with a modest white head that subsides to just a ring but does mange a bit of lacing.

The aroma is sweet malt with yeasty overtones and just hints of raisins or plums.

The taste is along the same lines, very much sweet malt, raisins, candy sugar and just a touch of alcohol, not particularly complex but pleasant and drinkable. Probably better as a winter brew.

Medium bodied, smooth and enjoyable.