Hello guys.  For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be trying the Ovila Quad produced by the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company located in Chico, California.

I had the Dubbel a while back and I’ve been sitting on the Quad for sometime now, so I figured it was about time to try it.

Here’s the rather lengthy description from the website, ovila.com. 

A collaboration between Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and the monks at the Abbey of New Clairvaux, Ovila Abbey Quad brings the centuries-old monastery brewing tradition to America. Ovila Abbey Quad is rich and complex with layers of flavor including notes of intense dark fruits, and caramel-like maltiness. Rich and complex, this ale should be shared among friends in the true spirit of the season. A portion of the proceeds from this ale goes toward the restoration of the historic Santa Maria de Ovila chapter house on the grounds of the Abbey of New Clairvaux. This medieval building stood for nearly eight centuries in Spain. William Randolph Hearst purchased the monastery in 1931 and planned to use the stones for a castle even grander than his famous San Simeon. Although Hearst’s plans crumbled, these historic stones will rise again in a California Cistercian abbey. 

Let’s get this thing into a glass and see how it tastes.

This brew has an ABV of 10.4% and it comes in a 25.4 oz. bottle with a real cool looking label.

It poured a deep burgundy/raisin color with some ruby highlights around the bottom of the chalice.  The crown was light tan in color.  It wasn’t very large and it was a bit soapy and fizzy.  The retention time was average, however the lacing looked ok.

The nose presented an expectant dark fruit profile of plums and grapes.  Some breadiness and caramel malt were touched upon also, but mostly dark fruits actually.  I didn’t think that this Quad was the most complex or overly robust as far as the aroma goes.  It’s not quite as “rich” either.  I, literally, found no spice whatsoever.  It’s not that the bouquet was bad or anything.  Overall, it was just a bit meek I thought.

The taste revealed more of the dark fruit aspects.  Cherries, grapes and plums.  I did find a little bit of spice in the flavor.  Some sweet caramel too.  The breadiness seemed nice, toasted and “round”.  A light touch of alcohol was found on the back end as well.  Again, not as “grand” as some of the other Quads I’ve had I didn’t think.  As the brew warmed it really started to relax and become quite subdued all around.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied.  Smooth and dry with a bit of warmth and burn.  The carbonation was rather good, although I felt that only an average amount of flavor was left on the palate after each sip.

Well, this beer is good, but not quite great in my humbled and novice opinion.  It was very easy to drink though and I definitely think it’s worth a try if you see it, but I wouldn’t travel too far out of my way to pick it up.  For my money, there are a number of other Belgian Quads out there that are a touch better.  It just didn’t have the complexity or sturdiness that some of the “traditional” ones possess.  Don’t take my word for it however.  Pick up a bottle and see how you like it.  You may find it to be well suited to your needs.

Thanks for reading and commenting folks.  I really appreciate it.

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  3.65 out of 5
Grade:  B