Advertisement

foodDrinks

Beer buzz: This strong, malty ale is aged in whiskey barrels

Barrel of Love quadruple ale from Austin's Adelbert's Brewery shows fig, raisin, plum and sweet toffee flavors.

Barrel of Love, Vintage 2016

BREWERY: Adelbert's Brewery in Austin

STYLE: Belgian-style quadruple (quad); this style of strong, dark, malty ales was originally brewed by Belgian Trappist monks, who called it "quadruple" based on its strength -- it was stronger than the triple and double styles that they made. Typically brewed with Belgian dark candy syrup or sugar, they can be sweet, with noticeably high alcohol levels resulting from the interaction of the sugars with the yeast, resulting in fermentation.

Advertisement

THE PITCH: This malty, complex quad shows fig, raisin, plum and sweet toffee flavors. Aging in whisky barrels lends caramel, vanilla and rye notes to the ale, enhancing its complexity. With an alcohol content of 11%, it's noticeably boozy yet smooth and easy to drink.

Eat Drink D-FW

The latest food and drink reviews, recipes and info on the D-FW food scene.

Or with:

FUN FACTS: The whiskey barrels used to age this ale are from Austin's Treaty Oak Distilling Co.

SERVE IT/PAIR IT: You could enjoy it sipped slowly, or with food. The brewery recommends pairing it with aged Gouda, roasted duck, smoked pork or bread pudding.

Advertisement

GET SOME: Sold in 750-ml. bottles for about $12.99 at select Spec's (Central Expressway at Walnut Hill, Preston at Royal, and Addison stores); Whole Foods Market (Uptown, Highland Park, and Park Lane stores); Webb Chapel Beer and Wine; Richardson Beer and Wine; and Kool Keg in Arlington.

Tina Danze