Dated Reference
Rushing Duck Brewing Company

Reviewed one day after can release for Rushing Duck's 12th anniversary. Poured into a snulip glass. It's a pretty, hazy, apricot color with a very thin, ecru head that dissipated rapidly leaving only a modest ring. The smell is wonderful: the dates are apparent, as is the appropriate banana, clove, and coriander. It has a very fruity nose with whiffs of musty earth and tobacco smoke. Wow, this is superb! The sweetness of the dates combines with the Belgian spicing and a hint of banana. It's sweet but not cloying. In fact, it is quite refreshing. It has all the classic flavors of a Quad but they are surprisingly delicate. This would be a super intro to the style. It has a nice, creamy mouth feel with fairly lively carbonation, and the 12.4% ABV is not distracting. Overall, Dated Reference is a wonderful ale. I wish I had bought more than four cans but will savor each one.