Quad Of Paradise
Whiplash Brewing

While I now have tasted from 2144 breweries, the first brew from an accomplished and innovative brewer still gives me a thrill. Whiplash, thanks for the thrill.

Whiplash comes highly recommended to me by Beer Merchants Tap. They have at least four brews among the 500 in their curated refrigerators. This Quad of Paradise appears to be its second release. Few improvements are needed. This itself would be an achievement for a Belgian brewery in its first decade. For a similarly young Brit brewer, this Quad is quite an achievement.

What is most interesting to me is the use of Grains of Paradise. This needs to spice more Belgians. (Only Ommegang's Hennepin saison comes to my mind as a famous use of these Grains. And of course, it must be easier to control in a pale.) Yet, Whiplash creates lots of intrigue for me. Bravo.

This Quad Looks better than standard, but also has a pretty package suitable for a wet island climate. Smells deepen my intrigue about what's causing what. I start to find out in the Taste's attack which tells me something special has been added because its impact grows with each savour and sip. I finish guessing that the Grains of Paradise have brought to this brew magic. Better than medium-mouthed in a viscous style.

This Quad was my liquid bread. I didn't need dinner tonight. Like a monk, fasting is a pleasure. But, I want this Quad again. Can't wait until next year.

As for my excellent Overall Hugs for Whiplash, I can only guess at their real brilliance. Their website gives me clues; but how two kids from Dublin can brew this Quad this well... that is beyond my comprehension. Slainte' and A Sante' !!

440 ml can, from Vinmonopolet, Nettbutikken. ABV is 11.1%. Malts are Pilsner, Vienna and Aromatic. Hop is Magnum, spiced with Grains of Paradise. Dark brown to black colour, moderate to small beige head. Aroma of moderate Aromatic malts, caramel and Grains of Paradise. Pleasant flavour of malts with hints of chocolate, and fairly distinct Grains of Paradise (leaving a discrete warmth), moderate bittering hops. More British than Belgian, but a nice and enjoyable beer anyhow.