Quadrupel
New Limburg Brewing Company

 

Appearance: A cautious pour produced a thumb and a half of frothy head that stayed around like a champion, and produced some minor lacing, but not a lot. The body is an opaque brown until it is held up the light and showcases it's vast carbonation and beautiful crimson red. The only complaint is the lack of lace.

Smell: Ample malt and dry yeast controls the nose with hints of plum and berries in the background. Warming seems to rather pleasantly bring out the berry note more and more. Potency is decent, but it certainly benefits from being out a little bit.

Taste: There is a slight earth note that permeates the beer in the background, which serves as the leash to the other flavors, which I actually end up enjoying. Starts with powerful Toffee malt which that earthy note holds in check, then turns to a nice plum, berry touchs which rounds us out with a slight cherry snap at the end.

Mouthfeel: Over time though, that earthy note builds as you drink the beer. It doesn't quite get out of control if you only have one, but it would be a concern afterwards. I really like the carbonation on this one though, it may be a bit too aggressive, but it has a consistency to it that creates a stimulating experience. Transitioning is decent, although could have a bit more of a smoother hand off between the malt and fruitiness.

Drinakbility: There is one major complaint on this one, and that it's gassy as heck. I was belching like crazy and it was somewhat aggressive in my stomach. It's also quite heavy as it seems to sit down in my stomach like a hippo, but I'm not going to hold it against it too much. It is a quad. Still, it has a nice crispness to it, and it hides it's big ABV quite well and unlike most yeast heavy, dry Belgians, it is quite refreshing.

Final Thoughts: All in all, a very serviceable Quad, a style you don't see brewed very much in Ontario. If they could maybe find a way to tone down the carbonation somehow, I think you'd have something really special here. Doesn't quite beat their Dubbel but certainly worth picking up a second time. Thumbs up.

Having enjoyed the Dubbel I am looking forward to trying the Quad. Bought at the brewery in a 500 mL bottle and poured into a chalice. I've been hanging on to this for a quiet night to appreciate the flavours.
L: It pours a beautiful deep ruby red. Loads of off-white foamy head that crackles as it dissipates but hangs around a long time.
S: Subtle flavours of berries.
T: Can taste berries and underlying cherry.
F: Well carbonated on the tongue and you can feel the alcohol dryness but it is not overtly boozy.
O: Very respectable Belgian Quadrupel that rewards sipping and contemplation. (Or maybe the flavours are too subtle and you really have to concentrate to get to them? LOL) Under $6 you can't go wrong here.