Judge's Review: 94 Rating - La Trappe Quadrupel by Trappist Brewery Koningshoeven

La Trappe Quadrupel by Trappist Brewery Koningshoeven is a Trappist Quadrupel and is being judged as a Belgian Dark Strong Ale (category 26D from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines).  La Trappe Quadrupel is an authentic Trappist beer brewed at the Brouwerij de Koningshoeven in the Netherlands.  Beer has been brewed within the monastery's walls under the supervision of Trappist monks of the Cistercian order since 1884.  Belgian Dark Strong Ales are deceptively strong dark beers that have a harmony of rich malt, fruity esters, and peppery phenolics. This Trappist ale measures in at 10% ABV.

This beer pours a dark amber with a huge, mousse-like, off-white head with good clarity. The aroma is prominent, rich bready malt, abundant peppery phenolics with a hint of vanilla complimented by dark fruit reminiscent of plums. The alcohol is strong but never harsh. The flavor is malt-forward with melanoidins reminiscent of bread crusts. Moderate peppery and vanilla phenolics complement the lightly sweet malt. The body is medium-full, creamy with a moderate warmth. The beer finishes with a gentle bitterness leaving a semi-dry, rich bready malt character with lighter peppery phenolics on the palate.

The complexity of the malt character is excellent in this Trappist ale. The peppery phenolics and plum-flavored esters add the expected complexity. The abundantly apparent yet soft alcohol presence is heavenly. Savor this special gift from the monks.