Top 10 Belgian Quadrupels brewed in North America
This Top Ten Belgian Quadrupels list is from the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup. The top 10 Belgian Quadrupels were inspired by the Trappist brewers of Belgium. A Quadrupel is a Belgian style ale of great strength with bolder flavor compared to its Dubbel and Tripel sister styles. Typically a dark creation that ranges within the deep red, brown, and garnet hues. Full-bodied with a rich malty palate. Phenols are usually at a moderate level. Sweet with a low bitterness yet a well-perceived alcohol. ABV: 9.10% – 14.20%. IBU: 25-50.
1. Stickee Monkee – Firestone Walker Brewing – California
2. Brun Royale – Gulf Stream Brewing – Florida
3. Qualified – Taxman Brewing Company – Indiana
4. Box Set: Track #8 (Number of the Beast) – The Lost Abbey – California
5. BROHEAD FRED – Apocalypse Ale Works – Virginia
6. Four Fat Baby – Hillman Beer – North Carolina
7. SistersQuad – Bitter Sisters Brewing – Texas
8. Responsibly – Nebraska Brewing – Nebraska
9. Judgment Day – – The Lost Abbey – California
10. Bourbon Barrel Quad – Boulevard Brewing – Missouri
Stickee Monkee – It has been said that the only constant is change and the same is true for barrel-aged beers. Cut from a similar recipe, this barrel-aged Quad evolves and shows a different face each year; a result of time spent aging in the barrel. Turbinado brown sugar from Mexico adds wonderful molasses flavors that are reminiscent of Belgian candi sugar. It has a full body and lush texture with barrel expression all over; toasted oak, coconut, leather, and rich cigar tobacco.
History of Belgian Quadrupels
The Belgian Quadrupel, a robust and complex beer style, emerged from the rich brewing traditions of Belgium, particularly within the Trappist monasteries. Its origins can be traced to the early 20th century, with significant development in the post-World War II era. The style was pioneered by the Trappist brewery Westmalle, which introduced its iconic Tripel in the 1930s, setting the stage for stronger variations. The Quadrupel, as a distinct style, gained prominence in the 1990s when La Trappe, a Dutch Trappist brewery, labeled its strong, dark ale as a “Quadrupel,” formalizing the term. This beer, characterized by its high alcohol content (typically 9-12% ABV), deep malt complexity, and rich fruitiness, drew inspiration from centuries-old monastic brewing practices that emphasized hearty, flavorful beers meant to sustain monks during fasting periods. The style reflects a blend of tradition and innovation, with its roots in the medieval brewing techniques of the Low Countries, where monks used local ingredients like barley, hops, and unique yeast strains to create beers of spiritual and practical significance.
The rise of the Belgian Quadrupel in modern times owes much to the global craft beer movement, which embraced and amplified traditional European styles. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, both Trappist and secular breweries, such as Rochefort, St. Bernardus, and Chimay, began producing their own interpretations, each adding distinct nuances to the style. Quadrupels are known for their dark amber to ruby hues, with flavors of caramel, dark fruit (like figs, plums, and raisins), and a warming alcohol presence, often balanced by a subtle spiciness from Belgian yeast. The style’s complexity and versatility have made it a favorite among beer enthusiasts, with its high alcohol content and rich profile lending itself to aging, much like fine wine. Today, the Quadrupel stands as a testament to Belgium’s enduring brewing heritage, blending monastic austerity with a bold, indulgent character that continues to captivate drinkers worldwide.
Top 10 Beers in America – Ales Lagers Specialty Barrel Aged