Just as you are recovering from the alcohol stupor of the American and English Barleywines, Belgium comes with the TKO blow known as the Quadrupel, the big brother of Tripel and Dubbel (for a later blog).  This is a Trappist monk inspired Belgian titan that is packed full of alcohol and flavor.  I will now sample Victory Brewing Company “V-Twelve”.

The label is very colorful and informative with a suggested serving temperature of below 45 F in a wide-mouthed glass.  They say to sip it slowly so the flavors envelop as it warms up.  It is a vintage-dated ale; mine was born April 12^th 2011.  There is a huge 12% ABV and an attractive caged cork like a Champagne bottle.  I am going to drink this one young but I suggest buying two and cellaring one for a few years, I bet it would taste phenomenal as with many cellared vintage brews.

Appearance:   Pours a bright garnet, almost like wine but not as opaque.  It leaves a nice pillowing head like a root beer float.  When held up to the light, the bottom changes to sunset orange and then progresses to a fiery garnet on top.

Smell:  Spikes of dried fruit, dates, raisons, ripe bananas, and boozy alcohol. 

Taste:  Heavy, rummy, molasses with butterscotch notes.  Good hop balance keeping the barley malt in check.  I am letting it warm up a bit and I am getting a bit of apricot but the alcohol kick stays strong.  Some aging will probably even the alcohol out.

This is a nice bold brew and a fine American version of the Belgian style.  Victory continues to offer great beers.  Other Quads you may find at ABC include St Bernardus “ABT 12”, a true Belgian Quad, look for it in a 12oz four-pack and a 22oz bomber.  Also, Ommegang “Three Philosophers,” blended with a Kreik for a nice dark cherry taste, and Koningshoeven “La Trappe Quadrupel”, another true Belgian.  

  Adam Shugan, Gainesville beer blogger