Black Quad - Real Ale Brewing Review
Singel, Dubbel, Tripel, and QUAD! These are the levels of monastic brewing by trappist monks from Belgium. And as the names imply, they get stronger and richer with each increase. Singels are not as common as dubbels and tripels in American craft beer, but quads are the king of Belgian bomber beers, often exhibiting deep color and flavor with an enviable complexity and an ABV around 10-14%.
Them being so rare, I was excited to find Black Quad from Real Ale Brewing out of Blanco, TX. This bomber-style beer is a specialty available year-round from Real Ale, and it comes in at 10.5% ABV and 33 IBU. But, as a rarity, I know very little about these beers except that they are dark with notes of dried fruit, and strong, as the ABV implies. This presents a mystery that has a beer reviewer tingling.
So, with a decent taste-knowledge of Belgian beers, let’s forge ahead with Black Quad.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--Dark as molasses with the smallest glint of ruby coming through when held up to the light. Topped with a milk chocolate head that diminishes quickly.
On the Nose--Roasted and sweet with a touch of Belgian spice and a mild fruit aroma lingering amongst a noticeably high ABV.
On the Palate--Slightly sweet with a fleeting caramel before the deep malt pushes through with its buddy dried fruit which give way to a roasty and dry finish. Very dry finish, that is, with a mild dried fruit and deep malt flavor lingering. The complexity of Black Quad is carried nicely on a medium body and accentuated by a smooth finish for this high ABV sipper. The spicy Belgian character is present adding another layer to this thoughtful and eclectic beer.
Food Pairings: Real Ale suggests pairing Black Quad with grilled lamb and cheesecake. We would also suggest roasted turkey or duck, and don’t be afraid to pair with a decadent chocolate dessert or something figgy.
Final Thoughts:
It’s always interesting trying something you know little about. But having some experience with a Belgian Quad’s younger siblings, this beer got me very excited, and I must say, Real Ale delivers.
Deep, deep malt, together with Belgian yeast and technique make this beer riveting from start to dry, dry finish. It has a smooth caramel start, fruity middle, and bold and roasted finish with only a mild lingering of dried fruit and deep malt, both characteristics of Special B malt often used in Belgian brewing (and one of my favorite specialty malts for homebrewing). It’s really quite balanced, but undoubtedly (and noticeably) strong, and it has slightly more body than a tripel but is not overly filling or heavy.
If you’re exploring the levels of monastic brews, give Black Quad a try. Or, if you’re a Texas bomber lover, this is a wonderful Friday night or celebration beer.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew
Learn more about Real Ale’s other bomber beers before you splurge. Check out our reviews of Commissar Russian Imperial Stout and Real Heavy Scotch Ale.