Quadrupel Ale/Kriek (98% Ale, 2% Kriek), 9.7 ABV
A friend of mine brought this over to enjoy over a game of cards. Usually, he has an ok taste in beer so I was very open to trying something new, especially when it comes in a large bottle sealed with a cork. I've never heard of Ommegang before, though Brenden tells me we've had some of their beer (including this one) in the past. If thats true, then it must have been from a long time ago, and my tastes are probably very different since then. Either way, I can't remember a thing about it so as far as I'm concerned this is a new beer to me. The pour was dark and a little frothy, obviously unfiltered. Its darker than most belgian beers I've had, though I’ve only had one or two other quads, and I’m not entirely clear on what the style is supposed to be like (but to be fair, no one is).
It was very sweet, like pancake syrup and with fruity notes of plum, a little nutmeg, black currant, apples and other dark fruits. Very Belgian. Mouthfeel is medium, medium heavy. Smells like brown sugar which is a great aroma to have. The head dissipates almost completely, which might mean I need to pour more vigorously; according to the instructions on the side of the bottle, you need to pour "with enough vigor to create a luxurious head and release the rich bouquet." It's very sparkly for a Belgian, it almost tastes like a darker, fruitier champagne. After each sip, the flavor dissapates quickly, it makes you want to take another sip. I'm not complaining though! |
For a Belgian, it gets just a little bit tart at the end. This thought kept going through my head; I usually anticipate a more rounded taste, with more nutty flavors. Whether because I wanted no influence on my review or because I simply didn't think of it, I hadn't read the description on the bottle at this point; I'm kinda glad I didn't, as it gave me a chance to guess before I did read and learned what a Kriek is. A Kriek is a type of lambic made from sour cherries, which explains the powerful flavors of fruits I had detected. Knowing this "cherry beer" is the 2% blended in I can definitely taste the cherries now and I think that's what I meant when I was thinking of the black currents (I don't know why my brain went there instead of cherries). I'm glad they didn't put more than 2% Kriek in this blend; the fruity, vaguely tart flavor is just perfectly balanced and it would be easy to overdo it. Overall this was a stunning success, and I know I'll be getting this beer again soon. It is very powerful, so do like we did and share with a few friends. Or strangers, or even enemies. After this beer, they will certainly be more friendly. Cheers! - Kev |