Bought a couple of these at the brewery Tuesday for something between 7 or 9 bucks. I have a weakness for quads. Confessing. Even in a heat wave.
It pours cola with a light mocha foam and rim. The nose is pumpernickel with a nice spicy thing down below, maybe cinnamon and nutmeg. In the mouth it's malty almost like a dopplebock with a cherry heart but there is also tobacco, the catch all "herbal notes" and maybe even cola - as well as a nice acidic bite weakening but not buckling the cloy. A black tea drying finish. The brewery points out how it has French Malts, German hops and Belgian yeasts - presumably in some sort of nod to the early days of WWI. I might have held out for the 17th anniversary ale but, whatever it is, I like it. It is a slightly lighter take on the style - which is saying a lot for a 10% bomb.
Makes me want to eat beef with cherry sauce. I know that dish doesn't exist but that is what I want with this beer. BAers love it even if they confuse age with strength.