The Difference between a Belgian Quad and a Belgian Dark Strong Ale

The Pub
1

Here’s a piece about the difference between these two sometimes overlapping or identical styles:

The Difference between a Belgian Quad and a Belgian Dark Strong Ale

http://www.beersyndicate.com/blog/difference-belgian-quad-belgian-dark-strong-ale-bdsa/

Also discusses the difference between Trappist & Abbey beers, the origin of Dubbel, Tripel and Quads, and a few other interesting tidbits.

Cheers!

2

It’s purely semantic in my opinion.

3

Agreed.

4

I’m not saying they’re right, but the Brewers Association seems to think there’s a difference between a Quad and a BDSA.

Then there’s the argument that the reason that the BJCP doesn’t really draw a distinction between the two styles is because the BJCP is just for little 'ol homebrewing competitions, and it’s really the Brewers Association that is more authoritative because the BA is used for real brewing competitions.  Not my opinion, but I’ve seen it out there-

5

Any difference between the two is purely a creation of stateside entities. There is zero difference between the two in a practical sense.

6

Yep.

7

Agreed completely.

8

The BA has a direct interest in creating as many styles as possible. More styles equals more medals for more breweries.

9

The term quadrupel would likely not even exist were it not for La Trappe.

10

Yep, there is that.

11

It does not exist in Belgium.

12

Right. Even BDSA is a creation of stateside organizations.

13

Got a problem with the Dutch? :wink:

14

If the brewing of La Trappe Quad required the creation of a new style and possibly mass confusion, it was worth it.

15

Not since we kicked them out in 1830.

16

“There’s only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people’s cultures and the Dutch.” Famous Belgian actor…

17

Ha! Good one…

“Dutch hater!” - Infamous Dutch actor