Sloppily aggressive Belgian quad/ German bock mix lets rotted apple mustiness, viscous corn syruping and disturbing alcohol burn relegate, then ruin, its fig-dried raisin, plum and prune niceties. Disgustingly cloy and stylishly conflicted 14% ABV Lithuanian worth avoiding unless inducing hangover.
Dissipating dark candi syruping bedevils sweet beet-sugared aspect, veering enigmatic quadruple-styled Belgian ale in different direction as dewy peat soiling and mildly soured dried fruiting come to the fore above its frail pilsner-oats spine. Soured fig-raisin conflux marginalizes pecan-buttered banana-plantain stint and wispy vanilla jaunt. Needs better and broader quad-like flavor profile.
On tap at Ambulance, resilient bourbon-aged Belgian quad serenely integrates kriek-styled oaken cherry sourness with candi-sugared dried fruiting that charmingly contrasts lactic brettanomyces yeast influence and vinous white grape esters above musty barnyard leathering. Gentle bourbon warmth nearly fades but sour cherry pucker never falters.
On tap at Morris Tap & Grill, perplexingly elaborate bourbon-barreled candi sugaring sweetens ripe dried fruiting as well as ginger, star anise and orange peel adjuncts (of cathedral-sized 12.5% ABV elixir). A polite molasses-sapped bourbon whiskey whir penetrates stewed prune, sugarplum, fig, date and black cherry serenity above brown chocolate-spiced malts. All tangible complexities line up rightly.
Profound Belgian quadrupel aged two years in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels retains creamy mocha sweetness and dried fruited intensity. Rich brown chocolate-spiced dry bourbon entry gains subtle Scotch whiskey boozing as raisin-prune-date conflux, candi-sugared caramel malting, sweetly soured red wine esters and musty cellar funk deepen bold complexity of bourbon-barreled (10.5% ABV) Belgian dark strong ale.
“Elegant” dried-fruited mocha entry gains molasses-smoked toffee sweetness and vanilla-spiced caramel malting to contrast recessive black chocolate-roasted milked coffee bittering. Sugared fig, raisin and date nuances abound. Wispy bourbon vanilla licks gain peaty tobacco roast beneath the surface. Gentle on the tongue despite heady 11% alcohol warmth. 2017 re-tasting: Sweet-spiced chocolate liqueur entry gains bourbon, molasses, vanilla, toffee, caramel and Turkish taffy tones and an herbal nip.
On tap at Andy’s Corner Bar, worthy quad drapes dark crystal-malted rye wheat sweetness atop brown-sugared raisin, prune and plum influence as well as sour black cherry subsidy. Calmly caramelized vanilla, banana and cocoa whims slip thru peaty bottom.
On tap at The Oath, local Tarrytown brewer utilizes all New York grown organic ingredients to develop rich Belgian quad. Local wildflower honeyed caramel malting gains sweet ‘n sour burgundy, black grape, bruised black cherry and blueberry influence as well as slight lemon tartness above dewy peat soiling. Funky Belgian yeast strain brings cellar-like fungi musk to musty dried fruiting.
On tap at Julian’s, opulent Belgian quad with sweet whiskey barrel-matured candi-sugaring and mighty 10.5% ABV warmth receives chewy caramel, toffee and vanilla creaming. Syrupy bourbon, white rum and sherry subtleties share space alongside red cherry, peach, candied orange, pink grapefruit, bruised orange, banana and sugarplum illusions at the whiskey-daubed fruitful finish.
On tap at River Of Beer, fabulous mocha-imbibed Belgian quad (heady 16.6% ABV) retains rich full-bodied robustness. Sweet candi-sugared bourbon warmth douses syrupy chocolate creaminess and sappy molasses sinew. Caramel-malted barley roast and torrified wheat spine fortify oak-toasted coconut, pecan pie and cigar tobacco illusions. Mild purple grape, fig and raisin undertones create dried fruited respite for bourbon chocolate essence.
On tap at Growler & Gill, revelatory bourbon-barreled quad utilizes weizenbock-styled dried fruiting and rich caramel-chocolate malting. Sharp hop spicing enhances Belgian candi-sugared prune, plum raisin and cherry overtones as well as rum-sugared bourbon resonance. In the bottle, affluent quad provides Belgian candi-sugared fruiting with elegant bourbon warmth. Sweet bourbon syruping sweetens red cherry, bruised orange, sugarplum and fig illusions as well as toffee, caramel and vanilla undertones. Serve alongside fine barleywines as well.
On tap at Ambulance, lactic quad brings tart blackberry adjunct to Flemish Red-like cherry souring, white wine tannins and oaken vanilla niche. Rustic barnyard earthiness and laid-back rye malting graze tertiary fig-prune-peach sourness.