DRINK IT DOWN: The Reverend Quadrupel Ale by Avery Brewing Company
Beer: The Reverend
Brewery: Avery Brewing Company
Style: Quadrupel
ABV: 10.00%
Description: The Reverend pours a deep ruby red with chestnut brown highlights throughout and has a brown head that leaves little to no lacing on the glass. The aromatics are wonderful and complex, with notes of cherries, raisins, plums, sweet malts, chocolate, and a very subtle note of earthy hops. The taste follows the nose, with appearances of sweet malts, a wide variety of dark fruits with hints of vanilla and chocolate, and earthy hops for balance. The Belgian yeast characteristic is apparent, but not dominating, as typical with the style. The full body and low carbonation give the beer its signature smooth, drinkable quality.
The Reverend certainly packs a punch with a 10 percent ABV, but it does not have a strong alcohol burn. However, keep the high ABV in mind; otherwise, your night may end with a few prayers!
Food pairing: The Reverend is a beer that is wonderful in the winter, but it’s still great to have on hand all year round and can find its home with a huge variety of dishes. Try pairing The Reverend with a hearty vegetable-based stew; the carbonation and complex flavors throughout will highlight a variety of vegetables and create an unforgettable experience.
Another fantastic pairing is with duck. Many complain of duck being overly fatty, but the decadence and body of The Reverend will make this fatty quality all but disappear in the dish. This will bring out its smooth, enjoyable qualities and highlight the caramel flavors that could have otherwise been locked within.
Any variety of gamey meats is a perfect companion with The Reverend. Whether you are looking to try wild boar, ostrich, rabbit, or venison, this is the beer to have on hand for a dream pairing! This also makes an excellent companion with BBQ pork or chicken; the sweetness of the sauce and the beer meld into one another in a deep flavor experience.
The final word: Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, Colorado is another pillar in the craft beer industry, with many offerings that are still favorites for craft beer drinkers. Recently, the brewery changed the beer lineup and retired many longtime brews, though The Reverend survived.
This is a big and bold Belgian-inspired beer that has long been a staple in the craft beer scene. The biggest change for The Reverend is the move to 12 oz. cans from the old 22 oz. bottles which, when considering the 10 percent ABV, is a very smart move. If you are a Belgian beer fan and have not tried The Reverend yet, grab some now and a few to age as well!
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Where can I get it? Currently available in 12 oz. cans or bottles at: Sabatini’s Bottleshop & Bar (1925 Wyoming Ave., Exeter) and Krugel’s Georgetown Deli & Beer (720 Wilkes-Barre Twp. Blvd., Wilkes-Barre).
