Behold, The Lost Abbey’s Ex Cathedra Barrel-Aged Quad-- a 12.5% ABV symbol of oak-kissed refinement that reminds us how this award-winning California beer-cathedral has mastered the way of the barrel.

This transcendent Quad is a window into The Lost Abbey’s aging expertise -- 12 months in bourbon barrels imbued with ginger, star anise, and orange peel gives Ex Cathedra lavish depths of flavor best served in a ruby-encrusted goblet.

The full year in bourbon barrels fortifies the GABF Gold-winning Quad base with notes of candied plums and figs with vanilla accents in stark relief. A host of bourbon, molasses, and toasted malt aromas rise from a garnet-hued pour. Ginger spice and star anise licorice tones inject the cocoa nib roastiness with the bitter herbality of a top-shelf Fernet. Orange peel provides a citrus crispness that leads to an elegant caramel-touched finish. If Ex Cathedra was a cocktail, with all its elevated additions it would be a pricey boutique potion crafted at a Medieval speakeasy -- found off the beaten path of the common traveler.

From Veritas to Angel’s Share, those who revere the power of the barrel seek refuge in The Lost Abbey’s canonical creations. Ex Cathedra’s marriage of Belgian influence and unique spices gives barrel believers some much needed bourbon-soaked solace.