We see craft beer as an expression of creativity, balance, and craftsmanship. With that in mind, we created our latest release, Quaternity, which embodies that philosophy in every sense. This 8.3% ABV double IPA is gluten free, vegan, and bursting with personality — a beer that celebrates both the science and the soul of brewing.
The Inspiration: Jung’s Archetype of Quaternity
The name Quaternity draws inspiration from Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who described the ‘quaternity’ as a universal symbol of wholeness and balance; and said “It forms the logical basis for any whole judgement.” For Jung, the number four represented completeness — the union of opposing elements into a harmonious whole. Think of the four points of the compass, the four seasons, or the four classical elements of earth, air, fire and water. Each contributes something essential, and together they create equilibrium.
We found this symbolism irresistibly fitting for brewing. Each beer represents a harmonious blend of four essential elements: water, malt, hops, and yeast. These components are individually crucial and transformative, each imparting unique energy to the final product. Quaternity is our tribute to this unity, resulting in a beer that perfectly balances intensity with composure, and power with poise.
The Alchemy of the Four Elements
Every ingredient in Quaternity plays a vital role in creating its signature depth and balance. Let’s break down how each of these four elements contributes to the whole.
1. Water: The Foundation
Water may seem simple and inconsequential, but its mineral makeup can significantly affect the flavour of a beer. For Quaternity, we went for a water profile that brings out the bitterness and hop profile of the beer. This included adding higher levels of gypsum, sodium chloride, epsom salts, calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. This mimics an exaggerated Burton Water profile - the home of the IPA.
2. Malt: The Earthy Backbone
Quaternity’s malt bill is designed for both structure and subtlety. We started with Extra Pale Malted Barley to create a light, slightly sweet base. Light Munich Malted Barley adds gentle breadiness and a hint of toast, while Torrefied Wheat and Torrefied Oats lend the beer a creamy, rounded mouth-feel that balances the hop punch. Finally, Cara Pils Malted Barley adds body and a lasting, pillowy head. The malt bill is rooted firmly in the ‘earth’ of brewing.
3. Hops: The Air and Fire
Hops are the breath and flame of a double IPA. They lift aromas into the nose and ignite the palate with flavour. In Quaternity, we used a blend that unites new-world fruitiness with classic West Coast bite:
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Boil: Flex® hop extract lays down a clean, bitter backbone – smooth and consistent.
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Hop stand: A fragrant combination of El Dorado, Simcoe and Citra brings vibrant notes of ripe stonefruit, strawberry and passionfruit.
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Dry hop: A powerful trio of Cryo Mosaic, Simcoe and Citra pushes the aroma sky-high with waves of tropical fruit, pine resin and citrus peel.
This layering of hops across stages creates complexity – a kaleidoscope of aromas and flavours that shift and unfold as you drink.
4. Yeast: The Life Force
We opted for US-05 American ale yeast for fermentation, a reliable choice praised for its clean, neutral profile. This allows the hops to shine, while the yeast contributes a subtle ester character that perfectly rounds out the flavour. Consider the yeast the orchestra's conductor, guiding the performance without overshadowing it.
So… What Exactly Is a Double IPA?
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a double IPA (also called an imperial IPA) different from a regular one?
A double IPA simply takes everything you love about an IPA – hops, aroma, intensity – and amplifies it. The term “double” refers to the higher alcohol content and hop load, which both contribute to a bolder, more complex beer. Typically, double IPAs range between 7.5% and 10% ABV, balancing their hop bitterness with a richer malt base to keep things smooth and drinkable.
In Quaternity, balance is paramount. With an 8.3% ABV, it offers warmth and depth without feeling heavy. The robust malt body provides a supportive, yet flexible, structure for the hops, while a balanced bitterness prevents excessive sweetness. The outcome is a powerful, yet refined, beer – assertive and graceful.
A Sensory Journey: From Nose to Finish
On the nose, Quaternity bursts with ripe stonefruit, strawberry and passionfruit – inviting and juicy. On the palate, tropical fruit and pine resin take centre stage, joined by a soft, bready malt body that provides balance and weight. A punchy bitterness leads to a smooth, warming finish, making each sip both invigorating and satisfying.
This beer is meant to be savoured; it offers new insights with every layer, much like the Jungian archetype it embodies – a complete experience where the whole surpasses the individual parts.
The Symbolism of Wholeness in the Glass
In Jungian thought, the quaternity often represents the integration of conscious and unconscious – the moment when opposites find harmony. Translating that into brewing, we see Quaternity as a metaphor for craft itself. Brewing is both art and science, passion and precision. Each element alone is powerful; together they form something complete.
Our brewers leaned into this symbolism throughout the process, treating each stage as part of a whole rather than a sequence of steps. The result is a beer that feels balanced in every dimension – flavour, aroma, texture and spirit.
A Beer for Seekers of Balance, A Beer for Everyone
Quaternity isn’t just for hop lovers – it’s for anyone who appreciates the meeting point between intensity and harmony. It’s bold enough to hold its own beside spicy dishes or rich barbecued meats, yet refined enough to enjoy on its own, slowly, as you contemplate the artistry behind every pint.
As a gluten free and vegan beer, Quaternity also reflects our commitment to accessibility without compromise. Everyone should be able to experience the beauty of balance – and we’ve ensured that no one is left out of the circle.
The Final Word
Quaternity isn't just a beer; it's a deep dive into the essentials: malt, hops, water, and yeast. It's our way of honouring completeness and that amazing creative journey that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Every time you pour a glass, it's a chance to hit pause, think for a while, and really appreciate the perfect balance that makes craft beer so timeless and appealing. You’re tasting the union of the four brewing elements, each in perfect alignment.
Whether you’re a hop aficionado or a curious newcomer, Quaternity offers an experience that’s both profound and delicious — a beer that celebrates not just what we make, but why we make it.
