Behold, the limited release Petrus Sour Quad … Brabandere, the masters of Belgian oak-aged Sour Ales, re-invent the flavors of traditional styles by blending the dark fruit and chocolate of a Quad Ale with craft beer’s beloved Petrus Ale (98 from the BeerAdvocate Bros).

These barrel-aging and blending experts take the Quad, Belgium’s booziest and richest beer style, to the extreme by mixing it in a 2 to 1 ratio with their oak-aged Sour Pale Ale. The tartness from this addition sets all the rich flavors on edge, underlining the roasty snap of espresso coffee, and luring out new nuances of pears and apples from a blanket of toasty cocoa.

Caramelized chocolate milkshake aromas step aside briefly to let hints of green apples emerge. Sipping rolls into deep oakiness with vestiges of balsamic and red wine bringing out the acidic high cocoa mass side of dark chocolate. The essence of cherry cordials tails off while a buzzing 10.5% ABV warms and dries the tongue.

It’s not too early to start planning for the celebration season (a.k.a. The holidays). Share the tart fruit elegance of the Petrus Sour Quadrupel with your family at Thanksgiving. Or afterwards - once the in-laws have left.