It is usually a damned good thing to have a friend who lives in a place like Belgium. In my case it means a couple times a year my friend brings me (or has their father-cum-beer mule deliver) a gift of quality Belgian ales I can’t get here in Canada.

The most recent delivery was one that caught me completely off-guard. I had never heard of it and had no idea who brewed it. The beer was called Inglorious Quad from something called Inglorious Brew Stars. Odd, eh?

As it turns out the Inglorious Brew Starts are two guys in Antwerp who have their beer contract brewed at a non-descript brewery elsewhere in Belgium. They started the company in 2014, and so are quite new on the scene. I had received what is their anchor beer, brewed (obviously) as a Belgian Quad. At 10.3% it certainly fits the alcohol bill.

In my glass it looks deep dark brown, almost verging on black. It is darker than a robust porter. It builds a so-so dark tan head with tiny bubbles but does lay down some noteworthy lacing. The aroms offers  dark raisin, molasses, some chocolate and a distinct dark clove phenol. Surprisingly, I get no alcohol in the nose.

The initial taste is molasses, demerara sugar, treacle and dark fruits including plum and a touch of raisin. The middle palate starts to create a spicy accent, with clove, pepper, anise and black licorice. In the linger the licorice builds, as does an alcoholic spiciness make an appearance. The linger gets a bit alcohol hot as the glass empties.

This is more than your average Quad (if there is ever such a thing). It is close to being a Belgian stout due to is darker colour and fuller body. It is rich, complex and substantial. It starts to get a bit hot, but holds enough spiciness and dark fruit to get away with it.

Does it rate with other classic Quads I have known? I am not sure, but it certainly carves its own path with its extra dark interpretation. A pleasant surprise from across the ocean. Makes me curious about their other beer (there is only one other at the moment, but I suspect that will change).