La Trappe is the only official Trappist brewery outside Belgium (in the States and Canada, this brand is found under the Koningshoeven label). Quadrupel pours golden-orange with a massive, frothy head that clings to the glass. Its aroma is brimming with sweet, candied lemon highlights, but is ultimately distracted by a strong alcohol presence that tickles the nose. The flavors of this brew start big and sweet, with candied nuts, banana bread and orange. Like the aroma, the hot alcohol presence overwhelms the beer’s subtle and complex flavors, but on a cold night or as a nightcap, the warming sensation can be welcome. The beer has a chewy texture, soft carbonation, and finishes dry.
