Note: This is more an introduction to my beer philosophy than anything. But this particular beer is a key component in my love affair with strong brew.
When it comes to beer, the term “double or nothing” has been modified to suit my needs for consumption. The general idea, when applied to betting is that “If the winner of the first bet also wins the second bet, he/she has then won a total that is twice the original bet. (wiki)” If I drink a first beer that has no noticeable ABV (below 6.5 or that of Dale’s Pale Ale) then I need to win a second beer… something to that effect. Basically if the beer is twice the ABV of an average-man’s beer (see: beer list as a chain restaurant), then consider this the starting point for me in selecting a beer to enjoy. Or I’d rather have nothing (as in wine or whiskey). I will drink imperial oaked stouts in the middle of the summer. I don’t grab a lite-peepee-water beer just cause it’s a little toasty out.
These days I am familiar with a myriad of fine imperial, aged, oaked, double beers, etc, but initially it was my friend, Drage, who first introduced me to this legendary beer many years back – before these types of beers were commonplace in the liquor store, other than a few select barleywines. Perhaps it was ahead of it’s time, as many beers just weren’t of this caliber at the time of introduction (early 200o’s to my yet-t0-be-refined tastes.) Now, while 10% is a great place for me to start imbibing in beerskis this brew has a flavor profile and depth of tastiness that makes you feel every booze percentage with every sip. Which is unlike some strong beers that are dangerously lacking in punch, despite the alcohol content.
The “Rev” as we have affectionately called it since bringing bombers home to our legendary bachelor pad some moons ago is worth preachin’ to this choir. I will attend his mass religiously for years to come. I have confessed under his influence and I have sinned as well during my sessions with the Rev. But I always ask for the Rev’s forgiveness and it it always granted.–Brian
THE STATS
Beer Style: Belgian Quadrupel Ale
Hop Variety: Styrian Goldings
Malt Variety: Two-row barley, cara 8, cara 20, caramel 15L, caramel 40L, Belgian special B
OG: 1.093 ABV: 10.0% IBUs: 10
Color: Tawny
Read more about this fine beer HERE.