Beautiful, deep orange-golden color. Rocky head, lace is fantastic. Obviously a ridiculous color for a “Quad” but that doesn’t make it unattractive.

Nose offers sweetness, and some bready malt, but it doesn’t give away what’s to follow.

At 10.7%, to me, this drinks less aggressively than the original Gulden Draak at 10.5%. Go figure. This seems smoother to me than the original. Carbonation may play a part in this which seems light. Some caramel, but the alcohol remains relatively in check.

Sweet? Yes, of course, but also surprisninglty NOT cloying or syrupy. Drinks much like a classic, English Barleywine if the truth be known. Very moreish, and highly drinkable of course. Fruit is light but very noticeable. Lots of brown sugar, and for me it’s hard to see this is a classic quad – it’s not raisiny or dark enough – but it is a lightly punishing BSDA (if that’s possible).

Think English Barleywine and you’ll be happy and delighted.