Ferre Quad from Brouwerij Maenhout honours Ferdinand Verbiest, the Jesuit missionary and scientist who bridged European and Chinese knowledge in the 17th century. Like Verbiest himself, this quadrupel is bold and full of character.

At 10% ABV, this reddish-amber beer unfolds slowly. The aroma reveals apple, cinnamon, dried fruit and nuts with a delicate touch of liquorice. The palate opens with malt-forward sweetness, followed by plums, brown sugar and caramel, then hints of oak and vanilla emerge. The finish is spicy and yeasty, with warming alcohol.

The body is smooth and rounded, a well-crafted strong ale that drinks more comfortably than its strength suggests.