Belgian Style Quadruple Ale with Cherry
Although a Quadruple Ale is a relatively new style, it is based on the idea of the next logical step from Dubbel to a Trippel and then -- a Quad. There are plenty of explanations about the origins of these names like double fermented (which makes no sense) or triple the alcohol (makes more sense) or quadruple malt (might be on the right track). Regardless, the style follows this progression: a Trippel is bigger and stronger than a Dubbel, therefore a Quad should be bigger and stronger than a Trippel. Additionally, the flavor profile is different style by style.A Belgian “single” can pretty much be anything, but often are light or pale in color (re: Belgian Pale Ale). A Dubbel is usually made with some roasted malts and dark cara-malts making it darker in color. A Trippel is usually very light in color (like the narrowly exampled “single”) and high in alcohol. So lets consider a Quad to be a Double Dubbel – ours with the added twist of a generous addition of (real) red tart cherries. The color is amber with some red hues and it also holds a nice rich head. The aroma will be distinctively Belgian in character. You will notice lots of fruit like esters and some roasted malt undertones. The body is full with bread-like maltiness and a bit of a lingering caramel sweetness. As the beer finishes you will get a slight balancing bitterness and then an alcohol warming effect.
