Quadrupel

What is quadrupel beer?

Quadrupel is a powerful beer style strongly associated with the Belgian abbey and Trappist tradition. These typically deep amber to dark brown beers have a high alcohol content and a rich character, in which malt and fruity yeast influences play an important role.

The name quadrupel does not literally mean it contains four times as many ingredients or alcohol. It is a style name, with room for various interpretations by brewers.

What does a quadrupel taste like?

The malt can provide flavors of caramel, bread crust, and toffee. Together with the fermentation, fruity accents often emerge that are reminiscent of raisins, figs, or plums. Sometimes you can also taste subtle spiciness or a hint of chocolate.

The alcohol can provide a warming character, while hop bitterness supports the whole. The balance varies per beer: some quadrupels are soft and round, while others are a bit drier or more emphatically spicy.

Is quadrupel beer always sweet?

A quadrupel can come across as sweet due to its full body and flavors of caramel and ripe fruit. However, the finish does not have to be sweet. There are also variants that end quite dry, which keeps the rich character nicely in balance.

Are you looking for a soft, full-bodied quadrupel or do you prefer a drier finish? Check the beer's flavor description or ask us for advice. The style name alone doesn't tell you exactly what you'll get in your glass.

What is the difference between dubbel and quadrupel?

Dubbeland quadrupel can both be dark in color, with flavors of caramel and dried fruit. Quadrupel is generally higher in alcohol and fuller and more intense in character. The warming alcohol accent can therefore also be more clearly present.

Do you enjoy drinking dubbel and want to discover the more powerful side of this beer family? Then quadrupel can be a great next step. If you are looking for similar malty and fruity flavors with a little less intensity, also take a look at our dubbel collection.

How do you drink a quadrupel?

Give a quadrupel time in your glass and don't drink it too cold. As the beer warms up slightly, the aromas can open up further and the differences between malt, fruitiness, and spiciness become more noticeable.

Feel free to pour a smaller amount to taste slowly. A glass with enough room for the aromas helps you discover the character of the beer.

Buy quadrupel beer at De Biersalon

At De Biersalon, you will discover quadrupels from Belgian breweries and makers from the Netherlands and other countries. From a beloved classic to a new interpretation that lets you taste another side of the style.

Tell us which beers you like and what you are looking for: soft and round, rich and fruity, or perhaps a bit drier. We are happy to help you choose, in the store or via a message.

Do you want to explore other styles as well? On our main page blond, dubbel, tripel and quadrupel you will find an overview of the differences and you can continue looking in the corresponding collections.