Allagash Four

Brewed by Allagash Brewing Company
Style: Abt/Quadrupel
Portland, Maine USA

The uncapping of the metal wire cage, and the pulling of the cork was followed by an resounding pop, that reassured me, that the seal had held well. The beer poured out quite lovely, with a clear reddish amber body, and an unevenly rocky, large, beige head. The aroma was very malty, with a muted spiciness. The mouth watering smell consisted of banana, orange peel, plum, saffron, coriander, and fresh cut hay. The scent was good, but not as prominent as typical for the great examples of the style.

The taste was generously malty, with a buttery mellowness, which I can proudly attribute to the year plus stay in my cellar. There was also a drying presence of faded hops and subtle spices to keep the sweetness in balance. The yeast imparted a bit of sourness as well. The interplay between these elements presented a harmonious complexity.

The body was a little delicate for the style, but the sticky mouthfeel was enough to allow the flavors to shine through. The maturity of the flavors concealed the sugar derived alcohols quite well. Made a perfect nightcap, especially when paired with a wedge of semi-soft Brie cheese. The only slight downside to the whole experience was the fact that the taste did not change very much during the consumption of the entire 750 ml. bomber. Despite that, a very pleasing beer.

Poured with a sweet, head stays around. Flavor was a little syrupy malt, and a full mouthfeel. This it a nice quad that should get even better with age.

Pours a deep amber with a little creamy head.Lots of things going on here with plenty to write home about as there were some ripe bananas and spices.Very sweet and rich on the tongue.Great long lasting flavors.

I didn’t like this beer. It didn’t taste like an Abbey Quadrupel. It tasted more like a Fullers Vintage Bitter. Not Belgian in style by a long shot. The bitter hops were way too bitter. Four times made them stand out and unbalance the whole beer.

Poured with a sweet vinuos nose with a slight burn. Flavor was a little syrupy malt, with a whiskey burn, and a full mouthfeel. This it a nice quad that should get even better with age.

Not a bad beer. Strong, but not overwhelming. Flavor really changed with temperature. Warmer is better.

This beer was decent, but not overly impressive. Nice orange color, drop dead headand decent flavor. I had expected much more from this beer.

All I have to say is, “how warm are you supposed to drink this?”. Everything changed in this beer depending on the temperature. Had this to celebrate our successful completion of a TS-automotive audit. Initially poured a murky light brown with yellowish hints and very minimal lacing. However, as it warmed, it became clear amber and ultimately had a light head that was quick to dissipate. The aroma was initially heavy and syrupy though as it warmed it lightened up. The aroma generally stayed the same with alcohol, honey, minerals. The flavor was bourbon, alcohol, fig, spices (i.e., coriander, pepper) and orange peal. Warm alcoholic body, semi-sticky (when cold) and generally coating. You NEED to drink this at a high red wine temp IMO. The flavors are similar but the body is creamier and the flavors much more balanced. I’m giving it extra points for amazing transformation from cool to red wine temp...