Baby Tree

Pretty Things prunes a Quad

By JASON + TODD ALSTRÖM

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This week, we're tasting the third beer from the Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project: a Belgian-inspired Quadrupel (Quad) brewed with dried plums (aka "prunes") from California—40 pounds in the kettle. This is also their first seasonal, and a celebration of spring. And, if you're wondering what a Quad is, the very short explanation is a strong, dark Belgian ale first brewed at Trappist monasteries—usually the strongest and darkest. It was first brewed as a brand by Le Trappe in the Netherlands, but has since evolved into a beer style of sorts.

As for the name "Baby Tree," it—and the beer's stand-out label—was inspired by a land of dragons, mediaeval villagers, knights, farms, misty heather, a shed-full of barley and creepy trees. The tale is far too long for us to unravel here, but we highly recommend you checking out the Pretty Things website—right now—to read the full story.

We first tried Baby Tree during a Pretty Things spring lamb beer dinner at Vee Vee [763 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617.522.0145. veeveejp.com]. Three main courses of lamb were a wonderful pairing for this beer, but to review a beer properly, we need to do so sans food.

The Taste

Hazy, near opaque; deep, dark brown with a tightly laced tan head. Candied-fruit alcohol taste, pastries and brown breads, nougat, hint of gum and soft herbal notes in the nose. Creamy, not too heavy, with some lively carbonation on the palate. Semi-coarse, racy spiciness up front. A little sweet and candy-like. Bread crusts. Suggestions of liquorice root. Distinct fruity plum flavor in the middle and drying up with a touch of tartness toward the end. Alcohol is warming, but very well tamed. Some taffy/gum toward the finish. Bows out rather clean and dry; residual bread, mineral and sugar.

Final Thoughts

This is a nice departure from the typical American-brewed Quad that focuses on big, sweet malts and hot alcohol. Instead, it's complex and immensely enjoyable. In fact, we're going to climb the baby tree and drink in it all day long. Care to join us?

Baby Tree is available now in 22-ounce bombers (mostly) and on draft (very limited) at select locations in the Boston area. It weighs in at 8.6-percent ABV.

FOR MORE INFO: PRETTYTHINGSBEERTODAY.COM

RESPECT BEER. BEERADVOCATE.COM

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Join Cambridge Common as they tap He'brew Rejewvenator, a doppelbock/Belgian-style Dubbel revamped for '09 with all-natural California date juice. They'll also be pouring He'brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA and Coney Island Human Blockhead, and Melissa from Shmaltz will be hanging out to answer your beery questions.

[Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 617.547.1228. 5pm-8pm/no cover. cambridgecommonrestaurant.com]

American Craft Beer Fest

June 19 + 20

Join BeerAdvocate and Harpoon as we host year two of the American Craft Beer Fest, featuring 75 American brewers and over 300 craft beers. One of the largest celebrations of American craft beer on the East Coast! Tickets are only $40 (same as last year), and include tastings and a guide to all of this tasty beer.

[Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston. 617.385.4212. Fri 6.19.09, 6pm-9:30pm; Sat 6.20.09, Session One, 1pm-4:30pm, Session Two, 6pm-9:30pm. $40. beeradvocate.com/acbf]