La Trappe Quadrupel (Koningshoeven / Dominus)
Appearance: The beer pours a rich cooper color with lots of carbonation which dissipates quickly. Smell: Brown sugar, raisins, and a flower garden come to mind but nothing is overpowering. Taste: Flavors, flavors, and more flavors! A syrup taste dominates early and then flows into the "Belgian Twang" from the Belgian yeast. Several layers of fruit flavors become apparent as the beer warms which prepares the pallet perfectly for the tangy cinnamon spice flavor and alcohol burn at the end. Mouth feel: I do not drink Quads often but I remember them being a little "heavier." The beer is medium bodied, which probably means light for the style. Having said that, it still almost feels more like a wine than a beer. The high alcohol content is very warming. Overall: This is well balanced, flavorful beer deserving of the "Quad" title. If only it wasn't so expensive.