Bodacious Belgians

So tonight I tried something new for me.  I don't believe I've ever enjoyed a Belgian beer before now and I really can't imagine how I've missed them.  All I know is tonight was all about two strong Belgian dark ales and I am feeling no pain as I write this.
First Belgian I tried was an Adriaen Brouwer Dark Gold Ale. It checks in at a nice 8.5% alcohol but you would never know from the taste.  First thing I noticed was a very pleasing fizziness on the tongue from its nice high carbonation level. It was fairly sweet with a mild hoppy bitterness followed by dark fruity flavors (possibly fig or raisin) and a touch of what came across as clove.  I tried it far colder then a Belgian should really be enjoyed but as it warmed the flavors really popped and a bit of caramel came through.  Overall a lovely beer and a great experence for my first Belgian brew.
Second was a Kasteel Donker.  It is considered a quad and amps up the alcohol content to a hefty 11%.  Unlike my first beer, the alcohol level is incredibly evident in this beer from the odor to the first sip which made me shiver involuntarily.  After getting past what almost seemed like hard liquor more then beer, I started to find some fig or raisin notes and a fruity sweetness as well as a back end tartness.  There was virtually no hoppy bitterness to it which really left me feeling like I wasn't drinking a beer at all.  If I'm looking for a beer this is not what I'm looking for, but you can be assured I would be a cheap date throwing back these.
Tonight has been quite eye opening on the Belgian beer front.  The differences between these beers was astounding.  I can't say I'm a Belgian fan but at least now I can say I know what I'm missing without them.  Cheers!