First Quad/Trappist style beers to try?

I think the craftsmanship on St. Bernardus 12 is second to none, but I just find Three Philosophers to be tastier. I love the cherry aspect.

 

Well Rochefort was mentioned a few times so I thought it would be a bit redundant to mention it again. Chimay hadn't been mentioned yet so I threw that one in there.

 

It's all good. You can NEVER have enough Rochefort.

 

Love me some Rochefort but since I can get 4 packs of Sixth Glass for 10 bucks in KC I go for the huge value benefit over 6 dollar singles of Roch. Rochefort 10 and Bernies 12 are must try at least once brews.

 

Not a quad but surprised nobody mentioned Westmalle Tripel. Also, have seen bottles from La Trappe labeled as Koenigshoeven.

Three philosophers is an awesome brew but the cherry always puts it in a different style for me.

The list of Trappists is short of which all have now been mentioned: Achel, Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren- all brewed in Belgium. la Trappe brewed in Netherlands. St Bernardus is the closest thing without actually being able to use the Trappist logo.

 

St Bernardus Abt 12 was my " holy hell I like beer" beer. So it would be tops in my book. I've been in love with the style ever since.

Orval is excellent, but a definite departure from Quads. I can't speak for freshness. I've checked 5 stores in 2 states and all have been bottle dated from 11/11, so I can tell you one year is a good range for Orval.

 

Mentioned it in another thread but if you're looking for a good session beer get some Boulevard 80 Acre too

 

I still havent tried Pannepot or Achel, but for the most part everyone in this thread have covered everything else. I really love Chimay Blue, Rochefort 10, St Bernardus 12, La Trappe Quad, The Sixth Glass, and also to add one that I dont think I've seen so far....Urthel Samaranth

 

Spinedocschabel, I would but the 3 i mentioned are the only Boulevards available in my area. Thnx for i suggestion though, i'll be sure to pick that up if i see it.

 

Rochefort 10 was mine, then St. Bernardus 12. Pannepot and Pannepot Reserve are both great as well.

Boulevard Quad (whatver its called) would be good too.

 

Get a Chimay beer/glass gift set. Three styles by a trappist brewery w/ a trappist glass.
Normally like $20. Can't go wrong.

 

I'm sure the only reason Westmalle wasn't mentioned is they don't brew a quad, and the OP was interested in quads, specifically. Awesome brews.

 

Indeed.

Though this thread is mainly about quads (i think?) You would be missing out on some amazing brew if you didn't try all that the trappists offer. For example, i actually like Rochefort 6 better then 10, and 10 is frekin amazing!

 

I plan on trying Three Philosophers, I think you should as well.

 

Lots of great recommendations. I see you're looking for a more affordable quad... does Sly Fox distribute to your state? If so, try their Ichor: it's my favorite American interpretation of the style and it's a bargain (as little a $8 for a 750ml bottle).

 

Since as someone mentioned the quad /strong dark ales are virtually if not the same beer i'm going to suggest a few that haven't made the list (and some that have)
Chimay Blue (mentioned)
Malheur 12
Gouden Caralous- Cuvee van de keizer Blau (blue label)
Kasteel Donker or Cuvee du Chateau
Unibroue Trios Pistoles...

Further being the holiday season don't be afraid to pick up any of the many Belgian Christmas ales that are flooding the stores as we speak.
For a good price point (about $8) pick up an Affligem noel.
Gouden Caralous
Petrus
Delerium noel

And the list goes on... Cheers !

 

Just tried to look up Archel on BA and nothing came up... is that the full name?

 

Achel..

 

It's Achel....here you go:

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/922