Judge's Review: 81 Rating - Qualified by Taxman Brewing Co.

Qualified by Taxman Brewing Co. is a Belgian Quadrupel that is being judged as 26D-Belgian Dark Strong Ale. As with the other Taxman Belgian line, this has an American edge thrown in, in this case with the use of multiple specialty malts. Aromatically, the beer has a rich and complex aroma, though it also has a strong cooked sugar quality to it as well, somewhat overshadowing the malty notes. Complex and spicy phenols of pepper and vanilla standout, along with raisins and dates. Distinct clean alcohol as well. Decidedly more phenolic than the others. The head on this is quite dark and sticky, and the beer has great clarity with a deep red-brown color. The head suggests the use of dark crystal malts. At tasting, it is very sweet. Raisins and dates dominate with bready and toasty malt notes helping to stop it just short of cloying, but it still is very sweet. Peppery phenolics assist with balance, as does the alcohol, but it seems to have too much unfermentable sugars in it. In the mouth, it is very full body with a moderate astringency that assists the finish. Very warming with surprisingly good carbonation. Overall, it feels very American and lacking the dryness of classic abbey ales. It does have a very robust yeast character but seems unbalanced and lacking subtlety.