Two Tortugas

Originally a brewpub in downtown San Diego, 22 years later Karl Strauss Brewing Company produces over 30,000 barrels of beer annually. Head brewer Matt Johnson’s latest holiday brew, Two Tortugas Belgian Quad, is an 11% ABV that packs a serious wallop. Rife with aromas of dark rum, caramel, and laced with hints of nutmeg and black pepper, Two Tortugas pays homage to its Belgian antecedents. Marty picked up some sweet caramel maltiness and complimented the luscious aromas of plums and wine-soaked pears lurking just beneath the surface. Tom keyed in on the slightly boozy alcohol in the nose, but he found the complex blend of sherry, toasted nuts, and dark fruit praiseworthy. This beer pours a deep, saturated mahogany that falls just short of crystal clarity and sports a mousse-like, pale tan head. The flavor is brimming with ripe plums, chewy caramel, and dried apricots, yet spicy notes of clove, pepper, and a whiff of nutmeg lend depth and complexity. Tyson was a bit taken by the rich, caramelized malt sweetness, but he teased out some notes of ripe banana and spices that balanced things out. The peppery spiciness and saturated prune, overripe plum, and raisin notes caught Peter’s attention, and he felt they all played well together. Two Tortugas can substitute for an after dinner port or sherry and would perform admirably as dessert.