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Koningshoeven Quad

Published September 2009, Volume 30, Number 4

Koningshoeven Trappist Brewery
Tilburg, Netherlands
Imported by: Artisanal Imports
Austin, TX

Available: AR, MO, VA, NY, MN, IN, FL, PA, NC, OH, MA, GA, RI, LA, IL, NE, WI, MD, ME, MI, SC, OK, KA, CA, WA, NV, TX, ID, OR, AK, IA

Beers have been brewed at the Cistercian Abbey of Onze Lieve Vrouw van Koningshoeven since 1884. The only Trappist brewery outside of Belgium (where there are six), Koningshoeven is also the only brewery to have been dropped from the Trappist association, due to its relationship with a commercial brewery. The issue was resolved, and the brewery re-admitted, in 2005 by the monks taking a more active role.

ABV: 10.0
ABW: 7.96
Color: dark amber
Bitterness: 25
Original gravity: 1090

  • Charles Finkel

    The brewery was again recognized as a Trappist in 2005 and since then, their Quadrupel has earned its place among the world’s great beers. A picture-perfect pour reveals a heavenly head of tiny everlasting bubbles atop a terrific turbid body, like honey dripping from a newly-harvested hive. The nose is a symphony of exotic spices, yielding almost as much satisfaction as drinking the beer itself. Individual components like toasted malt and hop flowers can be identified, but it is the overall effect that excites the palate. Rich, round, powerful and gentle all describe the taste, an elixir that is the liquid equivalent of a caramel apple or crème brûlée. Recommended with Dutch cheese, like aged Gouda.

  • Charlie Papazian

    Copper amber with huge, fluffy Belgian head of foam that invites me to bend my elbow. Immense fruity, banana and complex alcohol aromas weave a reason to converse. Chewy body and flavors mirror aromatics. Very mild hop character. Alcohol warms the esophagus. A tempestuous beer for savoring, though not a complex beer. Holds your attention with smoothness and mindful digression. A content beer.

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