Terrible - Unibroue, Quebec

Unibroue's Terrible is anything but terrible. I went into this beer expecting it to max out on the fermentable flavor chart like some quadrupels that I've had, but it is really much more tame than I'd thought. This really does work to the beer's advantage. Because the Terrible isn't at the extreme end of the flavor spectrum, you can really pick up on all of the layers in this beer. Most noticeable up front is the roasted, almost dark chocolate, base of this beer. There is a bit of spice up front which is what makes this beer so reminiscent of a quadrupel. Under all that spice and roasted malt is a sweet component that mellows everything out on the aftertaste. Don't get me wrong, this beer still packs quite a punch at 10.5% but it's put together in such a way that you could drink the whole bottle without coating your palate in fermented spice.

Wether you're a strong beer fan or someone who's trying to find a new appreciation for the style, Unibroue's Terrible is a beer that should definitely be on your list. It may sound like it's too middle-of-the-road to be noteworthy, but it's a very solid beer... even if there is a little truth to the claim of mediocrity. Personally, I enjoy this beer's toned down flavors. This is a beer you can spend an evening with and still have a clean palate for enjoying a snack or anything drink. If you see Unibroue's Terrible on tap or bottled at your local pub or liquor store, be sure to give it a shot. I'm betting you'll enjoy it.