Belgian Quadrupel
The biggest, darkest, most contemplative ale
See where this style fits in the family treeThe Quadrupel is the heavyweight of the abbey tradition: dark, complex, and warming, with layers of dried fruit, port, and dark chocolate. It is a beer to sip slowly and cellar for years.
A Quadrupel is the strongest, darkest expression of the Belgian abbey tradition, typically 10% ABV or more. The name signals a beer bigger and bolder than the dubbel and tripel that precede it.
What makes a Quadrupel?
How it tastes.
- Appearance
- Deep mahogany to near-black, with a dense tan head.
- Aroma
- Raisin, fig, dark cherry, caramel, port, and warming alcohol.
- Palate
- Full, rich, and layered, with dark-fruit depth balanced by a surprisingly dry finish.
- Finish
- Warming, long, and complex.
How to serve.
The Chalice · 10-14°CServe at 12 to 14 degrees in a chalice or goblet. This is a sipping beer; let it warm in the hand so the port and dried-fruit notes unfurl. It rewards cellaring for five years or more.
History & tradition.
The name was coined by the Dutch Trappist brewery La Trappe in 1991, but the style itself is older, embodied by beers like Rochefort 10 and Westvleteren 12. It represents the strongest, darkest expression of the dubbel tradition, achieved through generous dark candi sugar and long conditioning.
Belgian Quadrupel to try.
Westvleteren 12Sint-Sixtusabdij Westvleteren10.2% ABV$$$$Rochefort 10Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy11.3% ABV$$$$St. Bernardus Abt 12Brouwerij St. Bernardus10% ABV$$$$St. Bernardus Christmas AleBrouwerij St. Bernardus10% ABV$$$$La Trappe QuadrupelDe Koningshoeven10% ABV$$$$Rochefort 8Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy9.2% ABV$$$$Val-Dieu Grand CruBrasserie de l'Abbaye du Val-Dieu10.5% ABV$$$$Gouden Carolus Cuvée Van De Keizer Imperial DarkBrouwerij Het Anker11% ABV$$$$The breweries.
How to drink it.
Frequently asked.
Both are dark abbey ales. A Dubbel is 6 to 7.6%, malty and balanced; a Quadrupel is 10% or more, with deeper port and dried-fruit intensity.
