Style: Quadrupel
Brewery: La Trappe
Origin: Netherlands
Size: 75cl
Alcohol: 10%
Price: 88kr
Systembolaget: 89840
Brouwerij de Koningshoeven is a Trappist brewery founded in 1884 within Koningshoeven Abbey in Berkel-Enschot, Netherlands. This is the first quadruple every produced, and the water for the beer is drawn from five 200 metre deep wells on the abbey grounds. The spent grain from brewing is used to feed the abbey’s own herd of cows. The brewery also produces the world’s only Trappist witbier. At times, the brewery has allowed its spare capacity to be used for brewing of other beers, such as Chimay. This is a beer I’ve had on many occasions, and it’s simply world-class. I’m surprised it’s actually taken me this long to put it into a tasting, but I’m so glad I finally got round to it! This was paired with Gammal Knas, which is an amazing Danish aged hard cheese.
This had a deep but brilliant amber colour with a thick white head that held for a long time. The high carbonation was evident, and made the beer look amazing. The aroma was strong, with brown sugar, syrup, straw, plums and a hint of metal blending delightfully together. Upon sipping, the effervescent nature of the beer made it fill the mouth, and you could feel the carbonation right across the palate. The dark syrup notes balance the metal edge and robust dried fruit notes. The taste was beautifully balanced, with the warming alcohol coming through in the chest, with these fruity notes continuing long into the aftertaste.
This is simply a masterclass in Belgian brewing, and everyone should drink this at least once in their life. A world-class beer that deserves its excellent reputation.