beer_name: La Trappe Quadrupel (Koningshoeven / Dominus)
text: This is certainly an enjoyable beer, but trying the Dubbel, Tripel and Quad together, I'm highly confused about the Quad's significantly higher ratings. True, it's a bit better. The flavor is fuller, the malt is richer and the beer is a bit more warming, but the flavor profile is in line with the rest of the lineup with the smaller beers. I'm even lowering the rating a bit in deference to style comparisons. On a flat rating scale, this would be more highly rated than the Tripel or the Dubbel. At any rate, the Quad pours a deep medium red. It's translucent with amber highlight at certain angles. It's actually less murky than the Tripel (maybe a function of the pour). There's a bit more lacing, though. The aroma has more banana bread and clove than I noticed in the previous Koningshoeven beers. There are also aromas of vanilla, brandy and apricots/plums. The flavor is similar with peppery spicing. I'm again impressed at the depth of flavor these Trappist brewers are able to get out of such simple ingredients. It's one hell of a strain of a yeast that can impart this depth of flavor. If not for style comparisons, I'd bump up my ratings in every category.