Cloudy Days

Warmer weather can get here right about now. Failing that, I'll settle for some more sunshine. Everything is looking so...blah. If it was raining, at least that would be something, but monotonous gray sky limbo world is not so fun after weeks of the same.

Now that I have that out of the way, I've decided to try a Belgian that my wife picked up. She's having some friends over for movie night so this gives me an evening project before getting back into the work week.

The Beer: The Sixth Glass
The Brewer: Boulevard Brewing
The Style: Belgian Quadrupel
ABV: 10.5%

The fact this this is a quad is enough to pique my interest. Strength is often described in Belgian styles by including "dubbel" or "trippel" in the name. Quads are a little more rare, something you might see around the holiday season, warmth and cheer and all that. Did I mention my wife has good taste? Ok, let's get on with the tasting!

Pours an attractive deep reddish-brown color, with a good amount of carbonation and head. The nose - oh man, so many things going on! Dark fruit, figs and raisins come to mind, along with the alcohol coming through. A bit of spice as well. The brewery must smell amazing when they're whipping this up. All this comes through in the mouthfeel, with alcohol warming coming through in the finish, yet very balanced considering it's strength. I would classify this as a great winter warmer, something to share by a fireplace with snow on the ground outside.