Eggens Quadrupel Vatgerijpt - 001/2025 - Islay Whisky Casks

Eggens Quadrupel Barrel Aged - 001/2025 - Islay Whisky Casks is a unique and impressive creation from Eggens Brewery. This beer has been aged for an incredible 1125 days in casks from Ardbeg and Lagavulin, offering a rich and intense flavor experience. With an alcohol content of 11%, this Quadrupel perfectly balances the powerful influence of the Islay whisky casks with the sweet and complex base of the Quadrupel style. A true masterpiece for fans of barrel-aged beers!

Taste and aroma

The aroma reveals a delightful mix of peaty smoke, sea salt, and a subtle hint of iodine, characteristic of Islay whisky. This is beautifully complemented by sweet notes of caramel, figs, and a touch of dark chocolate.

The first sip immediately showcases the influence of the Islay casks: a smoky intensity with hints of charcoal and leather, harmonized with the sweetness of toffee and dried fruits. As the beer develops on the palate, soft spices like clove and cinnamon emerge, along with a gentle touch of vanilla and honey.

The finish is long, warming, and perfectly balanced. The smokiness lingers, elegantly supported by notes of caramel, oak, and a hint of sea salt, providing a beautifully rounded conclusion.

Ingredients

This Quadrupel is brewed with high-quality malts that provide a deep and rich base. The yeast contributes to the complexity, while the extended aging in Islay whisky casks adds a unique dimension of smoky and salty flavors.

Brewing process

The brewing process for Eggens Quadrupel Barrel Aged is meticulously refined. After the initial fermentation, the beer was transferred to Islay whisky casks, where it matured for over 3 years (1125 days). During this time, the beer absorbed the distinctive flavors and aromas of the Ardbeg and Lagavulin casks, resulting in a complex and layered final product.

Serving suggestions

Eggens Quadrupel Barrel Aged - Islay Whisky Casks pairs beautifully with rich and savory dishes. Think smoked meats, barbecue, or game dishes. The beer is also an excellent choice with strong cheeses, such as aged cheddar or blue cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, it’s perfect with dark chocolate desserts or a sticky toffee pudding. This beer is best enjoyed at room temperature to fully appreciate its flavors and aromas.

Eggens Groningen

Eggens Brewery is a relatively young but now well-known brewery based in Groningen. Founded by beer lover Martijn Eggens in 2017, the brewery has quickly made a name for itself with a wide range of craft beers. Martijn Eggens started his adventure as a hobby brewer in his own kitchen, but soon his passion grew into a serious venture.

The brewery is known for its innovative and high-quality beers, which are brewed using a combination of traditional techniques and modern flavours. Eggens Brewery offers a diverse range of beers, ranging from classic styles such as blond, double, triple and IPAs to more experimental brews with unique ingredients and flavour combinations. The emphasis is always on quality and craftsmanship, which can be tasted in every sip.

One of Eggens Brewery's hallmarks is its focus on local collaboration. Ingredients are sourced locally as much as possible, and the brewery often collaborates with other Groningen businesses and organisations. This not only strengthens the local community, but also contributes to the sustainability of the production processes.

Eggens Brewery's beers have already won several awards at both national and international beer competitions. This is testament to their consistent quality and ability to innovate within the rapidly growing craft beer market.