La Trappe Quadrupel: the Belgian Dark Strong Ale of the Dutch monks
Dark fruit, caramel, toffee, and perfectly integrated alcohol — La Trappe Quadrupel is the strongest beer produced under the supervision of the Dutch monks of La Trappe: “monk’s robe” color, extraordinary aromatic complexity, to be savored slowly. Available online at Maltese with shipping throughout Italy.
🛒 Discover La Trappe Quadrupel on Maltese
What is a Quadrupel?
The Quadrupel is a Belgian Dark Strong Ale: rich, very alcoholic (typically 9–12% ABV), dark, and complex. Originating as a commercial name in the 1980s, today it is synonymous with the most intense Belgian monastic beers. Typical characteristics:
- Color: dark amber to deep brown
- Aroma: dark fruit (dates, plums), caramel, spicy Belgian yeast
- Flavor: full, malty, sweet, and complex — the alcohol is present but integrated
- Body: medium-full, finish that can tend to dry
Quadrupel vs Tripel: the differences
- Quadrupel: dark, very alcoholic, malty, dried fruit and caramel — a beer for meditation
- Tripel: golden, lighter in body, often drier, fruity esters and yeast spicing
- Pairings: Tripel for light dishes; Quadrupel for roasted meats, strong cheeses, and intense desserts
Food pairings
- Aged and blue cheeses (blue cheese, aged Taleggio)
- Dark meats and roasts: braised, stewed beef or game
- Desserts based on caramel, dark chocolate, or dried fruit
- Sweet spicy cuisine: fruit reductions, raisin-based sauces
- Artisanal snacks for a characterful winter aperitif
How to serve a Quadrupel
- Temperature: 10–12 °C to appreciate aroma and complexity
- Glass: tulip or Belgian goblet — EDIT Bodega Glasses 40cl on Maltese
- Aging: the Quadrupel gains a lot from a few months of cellar maturation
