Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel - Brouwerij Straffe Hendrik / Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan

impending

California

4.38/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

La Trappe. Black mahogany, minor edge transparency, served with little dense head, minor lacing.

Aroma of the classic quad, full, thick and rich. Dense, complicated, rewarding, vinous.

Taste follows the nose and delivers a quality traditional quad, full, thick and rich. Well restrained alcohol, no burn but some would be welcome. Minor grape bubblegum appears in the pleasantly fading aftertaste. Medium to full bodied smooth mouthfeel.
cheers
jd

Serving type: on-tap

08-10-2011 04:28:15 | More by impending

jayhawk73

Maryland

4.45/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a dark brown color, w/ a massive three finger cocoa head. Head sticks around for about 10 minutes without moving. Excellent lacing on my snifter glass. Some dark crimson highlights when held up to the light. The nose is really fantastic- raisin, apple, fig, plum, malt, yeast. Really smooth and blended extremely well. No hint of the 11% ABV. Taste is equally as impressive, with toffee, caramel, and a touch of alcohol burn on the aftertaste. Feel is medium for the style, and super smooth. There is a crisp carbonated aftertaste as well. I really liked this beer. Let's hope the 11% ABV kills my cold. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2011 03:38:20 | More by jayhawk73

mrfrancis

Kentucky

3.95/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A: The initial pour is jet black with a dense, compact beige head. The appearance is misleading, however, as the beer proves itself to be garnet in hue when held up to the light. As can be expected of most quadruples, the lacing is great. Really, this is just a great looking beer.

S: The smell is a bit of a disappointment, proving to be simplistic for the style. My nose was greeted by a fiery alcohol scent, and after several attempts, I was just barely able to detect faint aromas of raisins, figs, and prunes.

T: The taste is complex and surprisingly lacking in any sort of alcohol burn, so don't expect there to be a tremendous amount of continuity between the sensations present on the nose and those present on the palate. Notes of raisins, figs, prunes, milk chocolate, woody spice, heavy cream, brandy, and maple syrup are easily detected. The finish is long, rich, and warming with a notable brandy and fruitcake character.

M: Full bodied, slick, and velvety with a prickle of carbonation. An alcohol burn is somewhat noticeable in the mouth, though as I noted in the section above, heavy alcohol flavors are thankfully absent. This ale becomes a bit sticky and syrupy on the finish. In my opinion, it needs a little more balance to be truly successful.

O: I had some difficulty rating this beer because it's so hit-or-miss for me. On the one hand, it looks great and tastes great, while on the other, its smell is not all that appealing and the mouthfeel is a little too boozy for my liking. In the end, this is a fairly solid quadruple, but it has the potential to be so much more.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2011 16:37:23 | More by mrfrancis

BucBasil

South Carolina

4.03/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served on tap into a branded tulip at Cambrinus in Bruges.

A: Blackish purple on first glance, but red notes in the edges when held to light. 2 finger light tan head with good retention.

S: very sweet aroma of sugared dark fruits and jam. Yeast character subdued. Very sweet smelling with brown sugar rounding things out.

T: Sweet in the taste as well. Berries mainly. Slightly nutty character. Finishes long with a butterscotch and caramel note covered by yeast and brown sugar.

A good quad overall, and must be some special offer since I didn't even see this at the brewery.

Serving type: on-tap

11-05-2010 19:36:26 | More by BucBasil

RuudJH

Netherlands

4/5  rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Quad, relatively new product from this brewery.
Colour brown, with beige head. Big head, a lot of carbonation in the clear(!) drink.
Smell of caramel, dark fruits, some floral components, some alcohol too.
Taste is full malty, sweet. Dark fruit, caramel, koriander.
Medium to full body. lingering taste. In many ways it reminds of Rochefort 10. It's just not as chewy and complex.
It's a good drinkable beer. the 11% is not a big problem. It's covered well enough.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2011 14:40:22 | More by RuudJH

TheQuietMan22

Iowa

4.48/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Serving type: 330 ml bottle. There are notches on the side of the label for a “Best before end” date, which looks to be February 2015.

Appearance: Served in a tulip. The color is dark brown with ruby tones. Three fingers of dense, lightly tanned head dissipated very slowly and unevenly, leaving trails of foam along the glass.

Smell: Dark fruits and berries. Raisin, cherry, fig, plum, and maybe a little blackberry and raspberry. On the sweeter side, there is a hint of apple. It also has malty notes of caramel, molasses, and dark chocolate. There is a little, tiny hint of booze, which may just be a figment of my imagination.

Taste: The mouthfeel is very thick and creamy. The booze is much more noticeable — it is reminiscent of brandy — and it features a slightly singed or burnt edge. That fades on subsequent sips and the dark fruits and malts shine through. Raisin, plum, fig, cherry, dark berries, and a little apple; caramel, molasses, toasted malts, and a little cocoa.

Drinkability: This is well crafted stuff. The ABV is much too high for quaffing, but it is very good stuff.

Serving type: bottle

12-01-2012 04:58:53 | More by TheQuietMan22

Greywulfken

New York

4.35/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: side-poured into a stout flute glass - deep slightly translucent dark brown beer with a bubbly tan head 3 fingers-thick; draped modest lace down the glass, filmy lid persisted

S: deep dark fruity malts and subtle spices reminiscent of winter holidays

T: bitter treacle/molasses and dark, dark fruit like black plums or figs - very compelling flavor profile - almost like, dank and dark fruits and spices with burnt bittersweet sugar

M: very nice on the tongue - medium weight, slightest bit of tack, slightlest bit of tingle, and even the slightest bit of chalk

O: saw the middling reviews before I had this, and I imagine there is some issue with this beer not quite tasting like too many of the big name quads, but it is a very pleasing and distinct-tasting beer - I would easily recommend this for quad and BSDA fans. It might not blow you away for the style, but taken as a singular beer, a worthy drink indeed.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 02:52:05 | More by Greywulfken

rootbeerman

Virginia

4.1/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750ml bottle allowed to warm to around 55°

A: not an amazing head but the body is very dark brown but is clear.
S: very malty and very sweet with dark caramel a dark fruits.
T: very sweet, fruity caramel malt, very long lasting sweetness with a small amount of alcohol warmth.
M: sticky and coating sweetness, low carbonation but wasn't really expecting much.
O: hard to find, I've had this on tap, and now bottle and I believe I'll get it every time I see it.

Serving type: bottle

09-04-2011 04:06:46 | More by rootbeerman

Douberd

Netherlands

4.13/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Brown bottle of 330 ml. ABV is 11%. Refermented in the bottle. Poured in a tulip glass.

Colour i very dark brown. Huge head of somrthing more than 3 fingers, with creamy texture, beige in colour and excellent retention.Quite a lace left behind.
Light caramel on the aroma, some roasted malts, fruits and alcohol.
Great taste, roasted malts and coffee, with a long slighty bitter finish. Alcohol so very well hidden.
A full body and average carbonation.
Overall a great quad.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 20:09:06 | More by Douberd

coreyfmcdonald

Georgia

3.43/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

11.2oz poured into a snifter

A: Pours a very dark amber/brown, almost to the point of being black, with three fingers of head on a very careful pour.

S: A surprising amount of caramel and toffee for a Quad, I get some plums behind it, but not as much dark fruits as I'm used to for the style. I get a bit of grapefruit and nutmeg to balance the sweetness.

T: Toffee and caramel are quite strong in the flavor as well. I get even less dark fruits than I got in the aroma. A bit peppery, but not much for esters.

M: Medium thickness with strong carbonation.

O: Nice tasting, though a bit boring for the style. Not much in the ester category.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2013 02:33:14 | More by coreyfmcdonald

BeerNemesis

New York

3.85/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel | 750 ml. | 11.0% ABV | 2010 vintage

Brewer: Brouwerij Straffe Hendrik / De Halve Maan
Style: Quadrupel (Quad)
Glass: Ommegang chalice

Apparently Brouwerij Straffe Hendrik was founded in 1564 and has been run by the same family since 1856. It is the oldest continuously operating brewery in Bruges.

Appearance:
Rich, coffee-brown body with a nice ring of sandy foam.

Aroma:
Chocolate, coffee, dark fruits. The usual.

Taste:
Toasted dark malts, dabs of coffee, and sprinklings of cocoa powder. It's heavy and somber, but very tasty. I get plums and raisins as it warms.

Mouthfeel:
Too much carbonation, but otherwise a silky-smooth, thick brew.

Harmony:
I like how Staffe Hendrik Quadrupel is less focused on the plums, cherries, raisins, and other dark fruit and more about bringing out roasted, toasted malts. While I like sweet and fruity quads, this was a welcome diversion from the norm.

Would I get it again?:
Yes. The fantastic bottle art on the the 750 ml. bottle (matte black label, moon with a face) is a plus.

Bottled: 2010
Served: July 7, 2011

Price = $10.99 at Whole Foods NYC

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2011 23:15:19 | More by BeerNemesis

beerpirates

Belgium

3.9/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

33cl bottle at DELICE & CAPRICES , Brussels

A: Pours a dark, translucent copper brown with two fingers of billowy, pale tan head. Strong retention and lace.

S: Good yeasty malt aromas, a little chocolate and some dark fruits.

T: Pepper and cinnamon up front, transitioning to some dark fruits in the middle and ending with a little spice. Some chocolate notes and also some vinous flavors enter as the beer warms. The flavor is pretty dry overall, almost a stout quality. Towards the end of the glass, some subtle bubblegum joins in.

M: Medium-heavy mouthfeel with considerable creaminess that keeps it buoyant and a lot of smoothness as well.

O: A pretty good beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2012 18:19:40 | More by beerpirates

AmericanGothic

Iowa

4.08/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from an 11.2 oz bottle into a Unibroue tulip.

A: Pours a dark, translucent copper brown with two fingers of billowy, pale tan head. Strong retention and lace.

S: Good yeasty malt aromas, a little chocolate and some dark fruits.

T: Pepper and cinnamon up front, transitioning to some dark fruits in the middle and ending with a little spice. Some chocolate notes and also some vinous flavors enter as the beer warms. The flavor is pretty dry overall, almost a stout quality. Towards the end of the glass, some subtle bubblegum joins in.

M: Medium-heavy mouthfeel with considerable creaminess that keeps it buoyant and a lot of smoothness as well.

O: A pretty good beer. Not my favorite example of the style, mostly held back by the dryness of the flavor. But, really not bad, definitely worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2011 03:04:49 | More by AmericanGothic

Mar02x

Netherlands

4.03/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - A dark brown beer with an enormous light beige head, unfortunately the head shrinks in till a small layer remains.

S - A sweet malty scent mixed up with some yeast.

T - A creamy delight with an overpowering sweetness from candy sugar, some yeast flavor and not really anything else. What makes it a bit plain.

M - A full body and a creamy feeling, light sticky and little to none alcohol warmth!! For an 11% it is nicely done. Furthermore there is no real bitterness.

O - A tasteful delight always nice to have some on you're shelf.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2011 17:59:05 | More by Mar02x

deebo

Minnesota

4/5  rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle with a best before end date notched Dec 13.

A-Pours a ton of loose tan foamy head that lingers. Lots of small CO2 bubbles present. Murky brown with dark red tints.

S-Remniscient of other quads except this one has a perfumy floral aroma-almost rose like. Otherwise sweet alcohol aroma. Brown sugar.

T-Rum raisin, sweet bread, overripe fruity yeast. End note of alcohol.

M-Vapory alcohol is noticeable, but the burn down the throat is subdued. Moderate/heavy carbonation zing. Dry finish.

D-Better than it should be with an 11% brew.

O-I love quads-this one is a large step below St. Bernardus and Westy versions, but still very enjoyable-makes a great nightcap. Will have to see how this one tastes after a few more years in the cellar. Have yet to taste 1 made in the US that stacks up well next to the Belgians.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 03:03:23 | More by deebo

Dave1999

Virginia

4.05/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured pure black with no head at all.

The smell was dark fruits, plums, figs and raisins.

The taste was similar to the smell, the dark fruits were in full force. There was also a bit of an alcohol bite.

The mouth feel was thick and chewy with medium carbonation.

Overall a solid quad, very enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

01-06-2013 18:25:41 | More by Dave1999

DaveBlack

Virginia

4.13/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Rich mahogany color, maybe a 1/2 finger of white head that has almost no retention.

S: There isn't much of a smell on this beer at all, but what there is is good. Smells sweet and malty with dark fruit, chocolate and a slight touch of yeast.

T: Wow. Big flavor considering the faintness of the aroma. Starts very light and floral, with a taste akin to rose, then a hefty hit of the alcoholic phenols give way into deep, rich malty, chocolaty flavors. There's a lot going on in the flavor of this beer and all of it good.

M: Fairly heavy body with a lot of carbonation. A little bit slick at first, but leaves the mouth feeling a little bit sticky.

O: Not the best quad that I've had, but it is quite drinkable. The faintness of the alcohol makes this a potentially dangerous beer. I wish there was more on the aroma, but the flavor more than makes up for it.

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2011 23:09:25 | More by DaveBlack

pkalix

California

4.5/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

wow. the 11% alcohol is well hidden unless the beer warms. dark, rich dark-fruit flavors on the tongue and nose. opaque brown pour with half inch foam which diminished quickly. foams sticks to the side of the glass which isnt being sipped from. is this what they call caramel malts? i'll check their website but i'd be very interested in the other beers from this brewery. great statrter brew for the evening.... also, had this on tap at THEGLOBE in garden grove, ca. and wondering if i should be there drinking this instead of at home in front of my computer . . . .

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2012 23:41:02 | More by pkalix

RuckusDu

Colorado

4.05/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I was excited for this beer after visiting the town of Bruges yet not getting to the brewery. 2011 Vintage

A - Looks good with a very deep and dark reddish body. The head came across nicely at 2 fingers. Falls to about 1 mm in a wonderful cappuccino color.

S - The highlight of this beer. Dark fruits - bing cherries, prunes, and red grapes that all have some sweetness. There is also a hint of alcohol.

T - Gets better as I go and continue tasting. It immediately hits the top back of your throat with raisins and those red grapes. I pick up some allspice and cloves.

M - The carbonation starts strong but quickly falls off. For me, quads should be more consistent with low to medium carb to start and remain there. Because this falls off, you want something thicker.

O - It is growing on me. Some good quad aroma and flavors. Nothing that really stands out, but overall this is well done.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2011 04:08:40 | More by RuckusDu

Infamous7100

Ohio

4.03/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: ruby/orange/brown, with an off white head tan that doesn't go away. Beautiful.
S: all kinds of malts! Some grapes, apples, figs and other dark fruit...lovin it.T
T: Matches the nose closely. All kinds of malty sweetness bt somehow not overly so.
M: smooth, creamy, a nice and sweet boozy hang that is sligjty warming.
O: Pick this up if you are a quad lover. Well done.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2012 00:43:08 | More by Infamous7100

soulfly1492

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Aroma: Dark fruit esters. Dates, raisins and apricots. Mild peppery phenols, not necessarily spicy. Definitely some alcohol, which is spicy. Some malt character, although I'm getting a faint aroma of brown malt.

Appearance: Pours a moderate light brown head. Some lacing, although the brew is still quite cold. Deep copper in color. Crystal clear.

Taste: Lots of those dark fruity esters, mostly dates and raisins. Followed by mildly bitter hops, and finally the spicy alcohol. Nice flavor, actually a bit lighter, not overly bold.

Mouthfeel: Medium-full bod, even though there is a good amount of carbonation. Not drying at all, which is welcome here.

Overall: Wouldn't exactly call this a traditional European Quad. This is comparable to a Stone Strong Ale. Nice and sweet, a little bitter. Oily, not dry. Very good.

Notes: December 2013 freshness date. Lot C. Drank on 1/21/2012.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2012 01:30:48 | More by soulfly1492

TechTriumph

Virginia

3.95/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

From notes on 03/24/12:
Best by: December 2013; Poured in a pint glass.

A - A normal pour produced so much head that I had to let some of it subside before emptying the rest of the bottle; There was several inches of carbonated, soda-like head with an off-white color; Head retention was excellent, but no lacing was left behind; Dark mahogany in color with a garnet hue

S - Smell is pretty weak overall, making it hard to pick out different aromas; Notes of dark fruits, cherries, acidic grapes, and just a subtle hint of alcohol

T - Decent taste of alcohol here, but it works pretty well with the other flavors present, including black pepper, buttered toast, vanilla, dark fruits, rum, tart/acidic grapes, and caramel; The finish, though long and dry, is not unpleasant with subtle tastes of alcohol, grapes, and dark fruit

M - Moderate carbonation that packs a bit of a sting; Just over medium bodied; Finish is warm, peppery, and dry

O - This quad was a very good interpretation of the style, and one that feels a bit light, but is certainly warming and satisfying. Although this beer doesn't quite reach the top tier of Trappist quads, it's still well above average for the style and one I hope to find and enjoy again soon.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2012 14:15:47 | More by TechTriumph

bagpiper2005

Idaho

4.43/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pour: Clear, dark ruby red to mahogany body. Thick, frothy three fingered tan head that recedes very slowly and leaves thick rings of lacing behind all the way down. Total eye candy.

Smell: Tart and sweet with a combination of sour and dark fruity tones, lots of caramel malty goodness, a touch of molasses, and a touch of alcohol astringency.

Taste: Rich and full flavored. Lots of caramel, and brown sugar sweetness with a touch of sour cherry and the ever slightest hint of vanilla. Chocolatey middle with hints of raisin and dried plum. Dry, tart finish with a moderate level of bitterness and a hint of mocha. Slightly alcoholic and warming.

Mouthfeel: Medium to thick body with high carbonation. Slightly creamy and ultra-smooth.

Drinkability/Overall: Very easy drinking, with lots of good flavor leaving you yearning for the next sip. You could easily put away a couple of these big bottles, though you wouldn't like the results next morning, as it is 11%!

Final Notes: One hell of a beer. This is one to sip on in front of a fireplace in the cold weather to warm up. Would also make a great after-dinner beer or beer to pair with dessert. It is a touch dangerous at 11% though, so treat it with respect!

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2011 00:33:22 | More by bagpiper2005

IKR

California

3.93/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Clear dark brown color with a generous foamy beige head that fades fairly quickly.

Smell: Bready, fruity notes.

Taste: The fruity and bread-y notes in the nose are present in the taste with the fruity notes most prominent. It finishes with a combination of fruity sweetness, slight phenols, and some hop bitterness.

Mouth-feel: Body is on the lighter Medium side with a fair level of carbonation.

Overall: Good beer but a step below the top echelon. Priced fairly well.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2012 22:50:30 | More by IKR

IPA35

Netherlands

4.15/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a nice dark brown with an off white head. Good retention.

Smells malty. Slightly metallic chocolate, yes dark chocolate. Molasses. Dark fruits, booze.

Dark fruits ofcourse and a rather interesting choclatey maltiness that I do not get in other quads like Rochefort 10 or Westvleteren 12. Almost RIS like to me.

All in all less fruity and more dark malty that other quads.

Mouthfeel is rather full, nice and creamy. Good carbonation.

Overall a nice beer really, less fruity than most comparable beers and with a bigger chocolate/coffee/metallic maltiness to it.

Good stuff.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 20:07:57 | More by IPA35