Wine barrel aging has drifted a bit towards sours from my experience but this coming option from AleSmith might be an even better use for the vino.
A good Quadrupel will have a vinous quality and the depth to stand up to whatever tannins are left-over from the wine. Making a complex beer, more complex.
Not too Stickee
Today! That is when the Central Coast Quad that drives spellcheck crazy is back. Stickee Monkee 2015.
The 2015 vintage is year two of the release of the CCQ from Firestone Walker and it is a wonderful mixture of the Quad and its Belgian influence with the aging in three different types of bourbon barrels from Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig and Four Roses.
It will be available in select markets across the United States. The suggested retail is $16.99.
Review – Ladyface Pro-Am – Dark Horse Belgian Strong Ale
Last Sunday, I drove out in the stifling heat to Agoura Hills, parked right next to the Ladyface van (of which I did not try to even peek inside or try the door handle) all so that I could taste their new Pro-Am beer for the Great American Beer Festival.
I am a huge Ladyface fan but what makes their Dark Horse – Belgian Dark Strong even better is that I know the “Am” half of the equation as well. Pipe Dream Brewery fronted by the great Kingsley and Brian got to take one of their beers to the taps!
It has already won accolades at the Mayfaire Competition (Best in Show) and at the L.A. County Fair this year. And now I got to taste it!
Not a big surprise that I really enjoyed it. It is a big, big beer but the alcohol is effectively masked so that the dark raisin taste and the nice bubbly carbonation can take more of the stage. There is a bit of sweetness but overall this is more a dry beer with some minor caramel notes that really lets that typical Dark Belgian flavors shine. It pours a dark brown but when the light catches it, it gets a red glow to it. The aroma is mostly dried raisin and prune but is not too bold and it doesn’t contradict the flavor either. My only regret is that it was really too hot to enjoy it fully.
Cardinal Sin
Laurelwood is going to be bottling a quad style beer that they have aged in barrels with the name of Cardinal Sin.
Looks like something I will have to look for when I get up to Portland in February.
Be Stoic about it
I have an Abyss in my cellar and this new offering might need to take the spot next to it.
“The newest beer in Deschutes Brewery’s coveted Reserve Series, The Stoic’s journey from Belgian-style Tripel to American Quad is a remarkable one. A simple German Pilsner malt bill and a low-key profile of Hallartau, Czech Saaz, and Northern Brewer hops equip you for the more distinctive aromas and flavors that lay ahead. Ingredients like Belgian candy sugar, beet and date sugars, and pomegranate molasses impart a clean, tangy sweetness. Pinot Noir and rye whiskey barrel-aging suggest notes of spice, citrus, pepper, vanilla, and toasted caramel like offerings to the gods. Unraveling the intricacies of The Stoic is evidence of a life bravely done.”
XMAS BEER – Coming Home from Grand Teton
What a great name for a Holiday beer! And it fits the Grand Teton image perfectly. I know that LA gets the big special bottles from these guys so I will be looking for it. In the meantime, check out the brewery description…
“The one exception to the rule is the holiday season, roughly Thanksgiving through Christmas. Between the holiday work parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and abundance of thoughtful friends who buy beer for gifts instead of electric socks, the holidays mean one little whirlwind of activity for brewers. In order to celebrate the holiday season, we here at GTBC have decided to brew an annual holiday ale. Unlike many other holiday ales which are often flavored with festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, our inaugural edition refrains from additives and keeps it simple.
This Belgian-style Quadrupel ale is full-bodied and robust, boldly showcasing flavors of sweet dried fruits delivered on a smooth, velvety palate. Specialty malts and roasted barley give this beer a sweet malty aroma that complements its complex fruitiness. Brewed in the Belgian tradition with dark candi sugar and a Trappist ale yeast, Coming Home Holiday Ale is rich and flavorful, meant to be shared and savored among friends.”