Some beers leave a lasting impression — and Practise What You Preach, the collaboration between BrewDog and La Trappe, is one of them. I tried this bold Belgian-style quadrupel over 3 years ago, and I can still recall its warm complexity. In this review, I’ll take you through the history of this unique brew, what the pour should look like, its aroma and flavor profile, ideal pairings, and my personal verdict.
The History: Craft Meets Tradition
This beer represents a rare meeting of minds between two brewing worlds.
BrewDog, founded in Scotland in 2007, is known for pushing boundaries in the craft beer scene. With bold IPAs, irreverent branding, and global expansion, they represent the face of modern brewing innovation.
On the other side is La Trappe, brewed at the De Koningshoeven Abbey in the Netherlands. It’s one of only a few authentic Trappist breweries, where monks have been crafting rich, contemplative beers like Dubbel and Quadrupel for generations.
In 2021, the two came together to create “Practise What You Preach” — a 10% ABV Belgian-style quadrupel brewed with heather honey and American hops. The name is a clever nod to both La Trappe’s monastic roots and BrewDog’s ethical activism.
The Pour: What to Expect
Though I tasted this beer straight from the bottle (as many often do), Practise What You Preach truly comes alive when poured properly.
Expect a deep mahogany color with ruby highlights in the light. A creamy tan head forms with moderate retention, leaving behind fine Belgian-style lacing on the glass. The beer is slightly opaque, a testament to its complex malt body and bottle conditioning.
The visual is rich and inviting — just what you’d hope for in a serious quadrupel.
Aroma and Taste: Deep, Warming Complexity
This beer delivers a memorable bouquet and palate that have stuck with me even years later.
Aroma
- Dark fruit notes like figs, dates, and raisins.
- Caramel and brown sugar from the malt.
- A floral, slightly herbal hint from the heather honey.
- Subtle clove and spice from the Belgian yeast.
- A surprising citrus-pine bitterness from American hops that adds a modern touch.
Taste
- The first sip is smooth, warm, and indulgent.
- Toffee, plum, and raisin dominate the mid-palate.
- The honey provides a unique layer of floral sweetness.
- There’s a mild yeast spice and a touch of banana ester.
- The finish is gently drying, with a hop bitterness that keeps it from being cloying.
- At 10%, the alcohol is noticeable — but it’s well-integrated and comforting.
Pairing Suggestions
This is a big beer, so it deserves bold pairings. Here are a few that work beautifully:
- Roasted lamb or pork – the richness of the meat complements the beer’s malt depth.
- Aged cheeses – try it with sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or a crumbly aged gouda.
- Honey-based desserts – especially baklava, which echoes the heather honey in the brew.
These combinations highlight the beer’s complexity while offering a balanced dining experience.
My Verdict: 4.5/5 – A Beer That Stays With You
I gave Practise What You Preach a 4.5 out of 5 when I first tried it, and that score still holds. Even after 3.5 years, I vividly remember how warm, rich, and comforting it was. It’s a beer that leaves a mark — not just because of its strength, but because of how well it balances tradition and innovation.
If you’re into Belgian quadrupels, honey-infused brews, or just love to experience thoughtful collaborations, this beer is absolutely worth tracking down.
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