Quadrupel (Quad)
Quadrupel (Quad) is a Belgian strong dark ale style characterized by its rich, complex malt profile with flavors of dark fruits (raisins, plums, figs), caramel, and warming alcohol, often with subtle spicy phenolics. Originating in Trappist breweries as the strongest offering beyond Dubbel and Tripel, Quads typically use Belgian yeast strains, caramelized candi sugar, and special malts to achieve their distinctive flavor profile and high alcohol content. Despite their strength, well-crafted Quads maintain a deceptive drinkability with a relatively dry finish that balances their initial sweetness.
Perfect Pairings for Quadrupel (Quad)
Discover dishes that pair perfectly with Quadrupel (Quad) beers
Aged Gouda
Aged Gouda's complex nutty, caramel-like sweetness with underlying salt crystals requires beverages that can match its intensity while complementing its richness. The concentrated fruit and subtle sweetness in bold red wines or fortified wines enhance the cheese's caramelized notes, while robust, malty beers with their own caramel undertones create harmonious flavor bridges.
Chocolate desserts
Chocolate desserts pair beautifully with fortified wines that offer complementary richness and contrasting fruit notes. The roasted, cocoa notes in stouts create a natural flavor bridge with chocolate, while the sweetness in Belgian Quadrupels and Milk Stouts balances the bitterness in darker chocolate desserts.
Crème brûlée
Crème brûlée's rich custard base with caramelized sugar crust benefits from wines with balanced sweetness and acidity to complement without overwhelming. The dessert's creamy texture and vanilla notes pair beautifully with dessert wines that offer similar richness while providing contrasting fruit characteristics.
Lamb rack
Lamb rack is a premium cut with rich, slightly gamey flavors and a luxurious mouthfeel that pairs beautifully with wines offering sufficient tannin structure and dark fruit notes. The caramelized exterior and succulent meat requires beverages with enough body to stand up to the richness while complementing the savory qualities of the lamb.
Osso buco
Osso buco is a classic Milanese dish of braised veal shanks in a rich tomato, vegetable, and wine sauce, traditionally topped with gremolata. The intense flavors, bone marrow richness, and long-simmered sauce call for beverages with enough structure and complexity to complement rather than be overwhelmed by the dish.