These cold winter nights call for an elixir to warm the soul and spark the mind. Cooperstown, New York’s Brewery Ommegang, which specializes in refined and complex Belgian-style ales, has invented just the thing.

By marrying a luscious quadrupel (a potent, dark-ale style characterized by a robust interplay of sweetish flavors) with a splash of lightly fruity Lindeman’s Kriek (a cherry lambic imported from Vlezenbeek, Belgium), the Low Country–lovers at Ommegang have created an intriguingly intricate and suitably strong brew.

Sloshing into its squat goblet, the beer’s gorgeous, translucent mahogany color is a beauty to behold. And just wait till you taste it. The folks at Ommegang liken the beer to "chocolate-covered cherries," and with its piquant, medicinal aroma and lush, lively flavor starting with subtle hints of anise and mint and ending in a tart, darkly fruity finish, they’re right on the mark. But watch out: at 9.8 percent ABV, this delectable confection packs a punch.

Available for $7.25 for a 25.4-ounce bottle at Blanchard’s, 103 Harvard Avenue, in Allston. Call (617) 782-5588.