Ellezelloise Quintine ABV 8% • Vol 330 ml • bottle • Belgium • Expensive • Flavour 7 • Bottle Conditioned Other beers from Ellezelloise Other beers from Belgium

This is a strong, bottle-conditioned Belgian ale in the tripel style. It is golden and hazy in appearance, a little like a dark weissbier, but with a thinnish head. It is also very lively, which can be gauged by the loud 'pop' on pushing open the cap. On the nose it is quite light and spicy, which again brings the weissbier to mind. However, on the palate the strength is much more apparent, with a rich, malty, spirit-like alcohol kick to the back of the throat. Paradoxically it is quite lively on the tongue but very smooth, perhaps chalky, in texture. This is probably the mixture of the bottle conditioning yeast, which would seem to be unavoidable. The malt flavours include lemony zest and white grapes in the upper register, with bitter caramel notes adding to the already hoppy bitterness throughout. The finish is long and cleansingly bitter. A very complex beer, perhaps a little bitter for some tastes, but highly recommended for the connoisseur. OBBD reviewer: Sparks ADD A COMMENT TO THIS BEER

If you've tried this beer and liked it, you may also like to try

• Hoegaarden Grand Cru
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Why have we suggested these?

Review updated 13 November 1998

Comments

It's noticeably less fruity than a Duvel, and the flavours are quite light for a tripel. The closest comparison is perhaps to Kwelchouffe. It's certainly more refreshing than most tripels, and it's relatively easy to forget the alcohol content until that warm finish kicks in at the back of the throat. Certainly worth seeking out.
Mike Griffin

Disappointing. A rare example amongst high gravity Belgian ales of presentation (flip-top bottle, rustic label) superior to substance.
Rev Geoff Reid

Is it possible to order just one bottle of Quintine. If not, what is the least amount I have to order.My friend just wants the label Thank you. Sue Hemmer
Sue Hemmer in the USA

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