Sierra Nevada Ovila Abbey Quad

This 10.2% ABV Ovila Belgian-style ale is brewed with plums. It comes from the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company of Chico, California, in collaboration with the monks of the Abbey of New Clairvaux in Vina, California.

The beer pours mahogany in color, such dark brown that it appears black, very dark ruby when held to the light. There is a short and short-lived head of very light tan foam. The aroma is sweet, but with a tang, loads or dark and rich caramel, toffee, ripened plums and tart and tangy unripened plums. It has heat, both alcohol and a peppery note. There is some woodiness as well. The taste is sweet, rich caramels, dark stone fruits, plums and dark berries, with that fruity tartness on the finish. There is less pepper than in the aroma, but the alcohol is present, warming and pleasant. There is a sting of carbonation that blends in with the alcohol and the heat of the pepper appears again. It is full without being heavy. This is rich and delicious. I’m intrigued if aging would leave the flavors while mellowing the heat a touch.