Quadrupel
Quadrupel beers have a deep amber colour an ABV between 8% and 12% and a medium bitterness.
Quadrupel characteristics
Quadrupels or Belgian Dark Strong Ales are very complex Belgian ales, sometimes connected with an Abbey or a Trappist monastery. Its appearance range from deep amber to reddish brown. Aromas are rich, with spiciness and malt presence, and hints of fruits. Flavors are as complex as aromas, with malt presence, fruits and some alcohol, and a dry finish. It is more malty than a Dubbel and not as bitter as a Tripel.
What does Trappist beer mean?
- –To be considered Trappist beer, their ellaboration must follow the principles of the International Trappist Association
- – The brew must be made inside monastery walls, and carried out or supervised by the monks.
- – The brewery is secondary to their monastic style of life.
- – The brewery is non-profit, and the income is just used for covering their living expenses and the monastery manteinance.
- –Just 12 monasteries in the world are allowed to sell beer with the Trappist name and seal, including Rochefort, Orval, Westmalle, Westvleteren, Chimay, Sint-Benedictusabdij de Achelse Kluis, de Koningshoeven (La Trappe), Stift Engelszell, St. Joseph's Abbey, Brouwerij Abdij Maria Toevlucht, Tre Fontane Abbey and Mount St. Bernard Abbey.
History
Quadrupel style is also referred as Belgian Dark Strong Ale. The first beer labelled as Quadrupel was brewed at De Koningshoeven abbey and called La Trappe Quadrupel. The name derives from the quantity of sugar/original gravity of the beers, having the Quadrupel the highest amount the alcohol compared with Tripels or Dubbels.