New Belgium Winter Quad 6Pk

New Belgium Winter Quad 6Pk is a seasonal Belgian-style Quadrupel ale from Fort Collins, Colorado, packaged in a six-pack of 12oz bottles at 9.7% ABV. This cold-weather release from one of America's pioneering craft breweries channels the rich, contemplative character of traditional Trappist-inspired Quads with distinctly American craft sensibility.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9.7%  |  Origin: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA  |  Style: Belgian-Style Quadrupel  |  Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

New Belgium Brewing Company was founded in 1991 by Jeff Lebeaux and Kim Jordan in Fort Collins, Colorado, making it one of the early American craft breweries to draw direct inspiration from Belgian brewing traditions. The brewery was notably employee-owned for decades before its acquisition by Lion Little World Beverages (a subsidiary of Kirin Holdings) in 2019. Winter Quad follows the tradition of Belgian abbey-style Quadrupels — high-gravity ales that rely on complex malt bills, Belgian yeast strains, and extended fermentation to develop layers of dark fruit, caramel, and spice without relying on barrel aging or adjuncts. The result is a warming, full-bodied ale designed for deliberate, slow drinking during the colder months.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark dried fruit — fig, raisin, and plum — rises first, followed by notes of caramel and toasted bread. A subtle Belgian yeast spiciness carries clove and light pepper in the background.

Taste: The entry is rich and malt-forward, with toffee and brown sugar giving way to a mid-palate layered with dark stone fruit and baking spice. As the beer warms in the glass, the Belgian yeast character becomes more pronounced, contributing hints of banana and phenolic spice that balance the residual sweetness.

Finish: Moderately long with warming alcohol and lingering dried fruit. A faint bitterness and dry yeast character prevent the finish from becoming cloying, encouraging another sip.

How to Drink Winter Quad

Serve at cellar temperature — around 50–55°F — in a tulip glass or goblet to concentrate the complex aromatics. Drinking it too cold will mute the dark fruit and spice nuances that define the style. While Quads are traditionally consumed on their own as contemplative sippers, Winter Quad's depth works in several mixed-drink applications: a Quad Float (poured over vanilla ice cream for a decadent beer float); a Belgian Hot Toddy (gently warmed with honey and a cinnamon stick as a winter warmer); or a Dark Fruit Shandy (blended with a splash of tart cherry juice and a squeeze of orange to brighten the fruit character).

Best For

• Sipping fireside on a cold winter evening
• Pairing with a holiday dinner spread featuring roasted meats
• Gifting to a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates Belgian-inspired ales
• Cellaring for one to two years to explore how flavors evolve with age

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Winter Quad taste like? Winter Quad delivers a rich, malt-driven profile dominated by dark dried fruit, toffee, and baking spice, all carried by a warming 9.7% ABV and balanced by characteristic Belgian yeast complexity.

How does Winter Quad compare to Ommegang Three Philosophers? Both are American-brewed Belgian-style strong dark ales, but Three Philosophers blends a Quadrupel with a small percentage of cherry lambic, giving it a tart fruit edge that Winter Quad does not pursue; Winter Quad leans more purely into traditional malt depth and yeast-driven spice.

Is Winter Quad good for sipping neat? Yes — Belgian-style Quadrupels are among the most rewarding beers to drink slowly on their own, and Winter Quad's 9.7% ABV and layered complexity reward patient, contemplative sipping at cellar temperature.

Where is Winter Quad made? Winter Quad is brewed by New Belgium Brewing Company at their facility in Fort Collins, Colorado, a brewery founded in 1991 that has long specialized in Belgian-inspired ale styles.

What foods pair well with Winter Quad? Roasted lamb or braised short ribs complement the malty richness; aged Gouda or Gruyère echo the caramel and nutty undertones; dark chocolate or chocolate torte mirrors the dried fruit and toffee notes; apple or pear tart provides contrasting brightness; and hearty stews with root vegetables stand up well to the beer's full body.

What sizes does Winter Quad come in? Winter Quad is available in a six-pack of 12oz bottles as a seasonal release.

Is Winter Quad worth the price? Winter Quad positions as a seasonal specialty craft beer at a mid-premium price point, and its high ABV, complex flavor profile, and limited availability during the colder months make it a strong value within the Belgian-style Quadrupel category.

Why Winter Quad?

New Belgium built its reputation on Belgian-inspired brewing before it became a widespread trend in American craft beer, and Winter Quad reflects that deep familiarity with the style. The Quadrupel tradition demands restraint and balance — high gravity without hot alcohol, sweetness without syrupiness, complexity without chaos — and this seasonal release delivers on those requirements at 9.7% ABV. As a limited cold-weather offering from one of Colorado's most established craft breweries, it carries both the pedigree and the seasonal scarcity that make it worth seeking out each year. For drinkers who appreciate the contemplative side of beer, Winter Quad earns its place alongside the best American-brewed Belgian-style strong ales.