2017 The Three Philosophers by Ommegang

Rating: 6/6

2017 The Three Philosophers by Ommegang is a 9.8%ABV Belgian Quadrupple ale blended with 2% Belgian Kriek (Cherry Belgian Ale)

One of my top 3 best common beers in the world. True love for the Belgian Quads!

Original Review https://animebeers.com/2013/02/27/the-three-philosophers-by-ommegang-new-label/

Sirens’ Song by Ommegang brewing

Rating: 5.5/6
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Sirens’ Song by Ommegang brewing is a 9% ABV Belgian Dark Strong Ale brewed with Figs and Raisins.

Label:
Where heaven met earth and stayed awhile

To revel in life’s sweet Music

Ancient mariners braved the Aegean, holds laden with figs and raisins. They faced great storms, monstrous sea creatures, and merciless pirates. But all paled compared to the Sirens, whose enchanted songs drifted to sea and drew the sailors to their end.

Our dark ale, Sirens’ Song, pays homage to the lost cargos, with figs and raisins added to the brew kettle. The resulting beer is dark, mysterious, and as irresistible as the Sirens’ seductive song.

Roasted malt and burnt sugar aromas lead, followed by flavors of dark fruit and notes of dark caramel. The finish is smooth and balanced with subtle bitterness.

==Introduction==
17097865_10104048501961580_6040807178739055021_o
Ommegang has been one of my favorite Belgian style breweries making great beers including one of my top 3 favorites in the world, Three Philosophers. They recently released this new Belgian Dark Strong brewed with figs and raisins. While Belgian yeast, candi sugars and the right malts and hops can create great complexity similar to these fruits, adding them brings about other unique complexities. So I can definitely see how this may actually elevate the beer to higher levels of flavors. Let’s see who this dark ales does, cheers!

Aromas:
Banana phenolocs, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, dark fruits of raisins, prunes, currants, figs, dates, plums, raspberries, dark candy sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, rock candy, rye bread, molasses, pecan pie, hazelnut, stone fruit peaches, apricots and cinnamon.

Flavors:
Super dark fruits of raisins, prunes, currants, figs, dates, plums, raspberries, pears, apples, Banana cream pie, Banana sundae, dark chocolate notes, dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, maple syrup, cloves, anise, coriander, stone fruit peaches, apricots, cinnamon, peppercorn, dark candy sugar, piloncillo sugar cone, rock candy, rye bread, molasses, pecan pie, hazelnut, pralines, peanut clusters, marzipan, toffee, apple pie, peach cobbler, peach preserves and port wine.
17038819_10104048501218070_8389781653872613407_o
Aftertaste:
Finishing up with rich dark fruits, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, stone fruit, bananas, dark candy sugar, clove spice and marzipan notes. No alcohol in the taste. Full Crimson body. Smooth, creamy, and velvety mouthfeel and a moderate to sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceptional dark Belgian with so much dark fruit complexity. The figs and raisins actually did make a difference enhancing the beer, which I can only assume the base was already delicious. The phenolic and banana flavors really stand out wonderfully almost making this more of a banana and dark fruit dessert. It has been a long time since I have tried a new Belgian from Ommegang and trying these new beers are always pleasant. I highly recommend this one to those that love dark Belgians.
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Anime Corner:
Ariel from Disney’s the Little Mermaid as well as original Siren and mermaid characters were chosen for this pairing as it was the obvious choice to go with the name of the beer and the label colors. It was something that I felt should have been easy but I also wanted to give a pairing to the name which is the Song of the Siren and there for it shows Ariel singing. While Sirens and Mermaids differ in how much more of a fish they are and other characteristics, some mermaids can be seen as sirens. So I think it worked out just fine.
16903499_10104048501138230_1836457122033411167_o
Sources:
http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2016-11-26-874085.jpeg
http://img13.deviantart.net/77cc/i/2016/113/8/c/headphone_girl_reborn_by_sakimichan-d9zz8ea.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/233346-1542×2000-the+little+mermaid-ariel-sakimichan-long+hair-single-tall+image.jpeg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/393181-1500×985-the+little+mermaid-disney-ariel-u-min+%28artist%29-long+hair-single.jpg
https://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/509203-905×1280-the+little+mermaid-disney-ariel-cian+yo-long+hair-single.jpg

Strawberry & Cranberry Three Philosophers by Brewery Ommegang

14889762_10103680151239380_6681909633349115176_oRating: 6/6

Strawberry & Cranberry Three Philosophers by Brewery Ommegang is a 9.7% ABV Belgian Quadrupel brewed with Strawberries and Cranberries.

Label:
WHERE HEAVEN MET EARTH AND STAYED AWHILE
To Ponder Your Thoughts
Once this beer was a dream, not quite finished.
Like a symphony missing a line.
A quadrupel, for nights of deep thinking, and we thought it was perfectly fine.
But we wated much more, so we pondered a while. We brewed on but our minds would not cease. Once we used cherries, and now, other, other lovely berries and Eureka! A dark Masterpiece!
This unique version of Three Philosophers unites caramel and chocolate notes of our malty quadrupel ale with strawberries and cranberries, for new complexities to invite your deepest consideration.
14884520_10103680151209440_543347529962227795_o
==Introduction==

Since the first time I have tried Three Philosophers, it has been till this day, one of my top favorite “common” beers in the world. Essentially right next to St. Bernardus abt 12 and Trois Pistoles. While I think even after this one, that beer will remain a favorite of mine, there is no doubt in my mind, that a first bottled variant of the original brings me so much joy, it is ridiculous. The original base beer was a quadruple and cherry kriek hybrid. This one, I am not sure what process they went with. Whether they blended a strawberry and cranberry lambic or just made a pure quadruple and brewed it with the fruit, I am not sure. One thing is for sure, Ommegang is one of my favorites when it comes to Belgian style brews. I have yet to go wrong with their beers. So with that said, cheers to a new variant of the Three Philosophers!
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Aromas:
Dark fruit cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, dates, plums, prunes, currants, blackberries, Strawberries, cranberries, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, strawberry cake, chocolate pomegranates, chocolate raisinettes, wine grapes, port wine, dark candi sugar, pecan pie, dulce de leche caramel, mixed berry preserves on rye bread, berry yogurt, bananas and clovey phenolic notes.

Flavors:
Rich strawberries and cranberries, wine grapes, port wine, dark candi sugar, rock candy, Pan dulce Mexican sweet bread, Dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding with raisins), dark fruit cherries, raspberries, raisins, figs, dates, plums, prunes, currants, blackberries, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, strawberry cake, chocolate pomegranates, chocolate raisinettes, pecan pie, cinnamon, flan, piloncillo sugar cone, bananas, clove spice, stone fruit peach, mango, mixed berry yogurt, marshmallows, citrus and mixed berry preserves on toasted rye bread.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with lots of rich dark fruits and mixed fruit flavors, vanilla, bananas, marshmallow smores, dark chocolate, earthy notes and rich dark candi sugar. No alcohol in the taste, bloody crimson body, smooth, cream, velvety and chewy mouthfeel along with a sipping drinkability.

Overall:
Exceptionally awesome! Definitely up there with some of the best quads I love including the newer fruited quads I have tried like the Fig and raspberry quads from Figueroa Mountain and Mikkeller respectively, as an example. There is so much going on here ranging from the sweet dark fruit, chocolate and caramel flavors to the mild tartness brought by the fruit mix. As I mentioned before, while this one and the original are awesome in their own right, the fact that the original is my favorite, I will keep it that way. Still, this is a high recommendation for those that love Belgians and Quads!
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Anime Corner:
Dizzy from Guilty Gear was brought back to represent the Three Philosophers as she did with the last beer. Essentially, she is one philosopher and the wings are the other 2 philosophers. This time however, I wanted to bring her with colors that would represent well with the new fruit additions to the beer. Still an awesome pairing to go with.
14876470_10103680151109640_4451224323305398436_o
Sources:
http://i.imgur.com/3QtUlXe.jpg
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmdW12oUcAAQMwa.png
http://animega.chu.jp/img/ill/110525ill029a.jpg
https://static.acg12.com/uploads/2016/06/f79b99f907a3d52605dce90763b8f5ab.jpg
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/otagach/imgs/2/0/207d7e43.jpg

Seven Kingdoms by Game of Thrones and Ommegang

12961375_10103190847897200_8600403744194361095_oRating: 4.25/5

Seven Kingdoms by Game of Thrones and Ommegang is a 6.9% ABV Hoppy Belgian Wheat Ale.

Label:
OF WESTEROS’ SEVEN KINGDOMS, SIX WERE CONQUERED AND ONE, INDOMITABLE, WAS BROUGHT IN, NOT BY WAR, BUT BY THE SACRED BLOOD TIES OF MARRIAGE.

THIS TRADITIONAL BELGIAN-STYLE WHEAT ALE IS HAPPILY WED TO CITRUSY, HERBAL AMERIC AN HOPS, YIELDING WHEATY MALTINESS AND MODERATE BITTERNESS, WITH ALLURING FRUIT AROMAS AND FULL HOP FLAVORS.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one at Sammy’s VIII Liquor in La Mirada California after visiting my friends Julio and Jeannette’s house. I knew of this beer’s eventual appearance but since I happened to find it, I figure I grab it before I forget. I have reviewed all the different beers in the series thus far and since my friend showed me some episodes of Game of Thrones recently too, I wanted to continue the series. That and the fact that Ommegang makes some of the best Belgian stuff too. This time, they made a hoppy Belgian Wheat to represent the 7 kingdoms. Let’s check this one out and see what it is about.

Aromas:
Banana, clove spice, peppercorns, lemon, floral notes, honey, grapefruit and grassy hops, biscuit bread, stone fruit hints and cane sugar.

Flavors:
Belgian candy sugar, lemon, peppercorns, lemon peel, piney, floral, grapefruit and grassy hops, bananas, clove spice, stone fruit peaches, apricot, lavender, biscuit bread, honey, coriander, phenolic notes, grape hints, waffle cone, tangerine hints, cane sugar and pineapple hints.

Aftertaste:
Finishes with notes of peppercorns, hoppy notes, banana hints, honey, stone fruit and coriander hints.
No alcohol in the taste, clear golden body, crisp, clean, and refreshing mouthfeel and easy to drink.

Overall:
A very good beer that reminds me a lot of the hoppy Belgian Pale Ales I have had before. While it is delicious, there is still nothing too extraordinary that comes to mind. The fact that I love Belgians and Ommegang makes this one really good. Still, this one is nothing too crazy that you won’t find if you try another one of its style. The good thing they do here though is that it works well because it is meant for the newer beer drinkers. Something not too overwhelming is what helps merge the gap between the series and into the craft beer scene. Worth a try for sure.

Anime Corner:
7 Multiple Characters were used from the series Pixiv Fantasia were used to represent the 7 kingdoms. While not accurate to the characters and maybe the lore of Game of Thrones, it was merely a representative where each character would be representative of each of the kingdoms in the story.

Sources:
http://s4.pikabu.ru/post_img/big/2015/05/01/10/1430497744_954661167.jpeg

Three-Eyed Raven by Game of Thrones and Ommegang

10459099_10102512434063960_6015894703349476019_o 10985039_10102512434992100_1515954435239626769_nRating: 4.75/5

Three-Eyed Raven by Game of Thrones and Ommegang is a 7.2% ABV Dark Saison/Farmhouse Ale.

Label:
FROM THE DARKNESS I WATCH YOU. ALL OF YOU, ALL OF YOUR LIVES, WITH A THOUSAND EYES, AND ONE. ABIDING IN THE SHADOWS OF THIS DARK SAISON LIE BEGUILING AND ENTRANCING AROMAS AND FLAVORS – GIRDED BY CRISP, LASTING HERBAL HOP NOTES, AND A YEASTY, SPICY FINISH. POUR SLOWLY, TO NOT DISTURB YEAST SEDIMENT, BUT WITH VIGOR TO MAKE A LUXURIOUS HEAD AND FREE BOUQUET.

==Introduction==

Obtained this one at the local Total Wine and More by my work place. This is the 5th beer in the line of Game of Thrones beers brewed by Ommegang for the fans of the show. Personally I have not seen the show and need to find some time to do so as I do find plenty of time to drink and review some of these specials beers after all. This one is a Dark Saison or Farmhouse Ale. The only thing that I have had close to a dark saison could be what is the Folklore Belgian Stout from Stillwater Artisanal but that is not true as those are also more complex and roasty. A dark saison seems like something very unique. Well, since I have never had a dark saison, let us see how close to a regular saison it is.

Aromas:
Phenolic bananas and biscuit notes, clove and peppercorn spices, Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, cherry, grapes, rock candy, candi sugar, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, roasted barley, coffee cake hints, brown sugar, dark chocolate, farmhouse notes and stone fruit hints.

Flavors:
Dark fruit raisins, plums, figs, cherry, grapes, banana, clove spices, peppercorns, Lavender, farmhouse hay, dark chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche caramel, pecan pie, roasted barley, spicy hops, Stone fruit peaches, apricots, Belgian candi sugar, brown sugar and rock candy and port wine hints.

Aftertaste:
Peppercorns, clove spice, dark chocolate, dark fruits, lavender, farmhouse hay and caramel. No alcohol in the taste, moderate drinkability, creamy and full mouthfeel and a thick dark crimson body.

Overall:
A very good Saison which actually borderlines a Dark Belgian Ale. Somehow it keeps of those saison characteristics but brings in some of the awesome Banana, dark fruit, caramel and phenolic flavors typically found in quads, Belgian Dark ales or even some Belgians Stouts. I truly think of all the 5 in the Game of throne series beers by Ommegang, this one is possibly my favorite. I would definitely recommend it if you love Belgian ales. Cheers!

Anime Corner:
Raven from Teen Titans was used in this pairing as I wanted to find a character from anime, or in this case comics, that would pair with the way the Three-Eyed Raven looks in the show. Always in darkness and in cloak. The most obvious was Raven from the Teen Titans as she has those looks and also the 3 eyed part can be seen as she has her regular 2 eyes and the red jewel on her forehead used as a bindi which can be seen as the Ajna Chakra or Third-Eye Chakra. The colors she wears also pairs with the colors of the different dark fruits that can be found in this beer and the complex aspect of the beer is the complex aspect of her character.

Sources:
http://sakimichan.deviantart.com/art/Raven-Teen-Titan-511165333
http://yuumei.deviantart.com/art/Teen-Titans-Raven-Commission-148931734

Valar Morghulis by Game of Thrones and Ommegang

1780673_10102129212428190_4303954624754454680_n 10151340_10102129212043960_9160010245517754727_n 10301435_10102129211105840_7997889876574959697_nRating: 4.65/5

Valar Morghulis by Game of Thrones and Ommegang is an 8% ABV Belgian Dubbel.

Label:
WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE MOST FEARED SAYING IN HIGH VALYRIAN, TAKE A SIP AND CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY. FOR ALL MEN MUST DIE, AND ALL MEN MUST SERVE. ENJOY RICH AROMAS OF CARAMEL AND RIPE FRUIT WITH DEEP FLAVORS OF MALTY SWETTNESS AND FRUITY ESTERS. POUR SLOWLY, TO NOT DISTURB YEAST SEDIMENT, BUT WITH VIGOR TO MAKE A LUXURIOUS HEAD AND FREE BOUQUET.
___

The 4th installment of the Game of Thrones beer is here, Valar Morghulis or “All Men Must Die”. You can buy it at many craft beer markets where they sell Ommegang beer. I have yet to see the show but I love Ommegang beers. The previous entries have been very good. Since they brewed a Belgian Dubbel (Double Fermented Ale), I had to try it and bring it here to the site. If you have not tried a Dubbel before, you know it is going to be a heavy one and not your typical light beer. If you enjoy Belgians, well, let’s see what this one as in store.

Aromas:
Dark fruits like raisins, plums, dark cherries, light stone fruit like peaches and apricots, pears, apples, pineapple hints, brown sugar, bubble gum, clove spice, banana hints, dulce de leche caramel, toffee, vanilla, peppercorns, earthy notes, biscuit bread and chocolate hints.

Flavors:
Dark fruits like raisins, plums, dark cherries, clove spice, banana hints, peppercorns, dulce de leche caramel hints, brown sugar, biscuit bread, chocolate hints, bubble gum hints, vanilla, apricots, peaches, candi sugar, cinnamon, pears, coriander hints, pineapple hints, earthy hop hints and toffee.

Aftertaste:
Biscuit bread, phenolic notes, clove spice, caramel, dark fruit, peppery spices and earthy notes linger. No alcohol in the taste, medium to full crimson body, moderate drinkability and smooth and almost watery mouthfeel.

Overall:
A very good Dubbel and possibly the best one so far in the series. Belgian Dubbels are incredible beers just like the Singles, Tripels and Quadruples. Although Quads are my favorites. Dubbels do generally fall into that category of dark fruit and malty but not overwhelmingly intense. So for fans of the show who typically don’t drink craft beer, this may definitely be a sipping beer but it won’t be like super overwhelming, just moderate. Still, Ommegang kicking ass again with another awesome beer.

Anime Corner:
Saber from Fate Stay Night/Zero was chosen once again to represent the world of fantasy in Game of Thrones. I was typically looking for something that would pair well with the name of the beer, the show, the color and to some extent the flavors of the beer as well. As you can see, All Men Must Die is in reference to bloody war as show cased in the sword battle. The devastation of medieval war is nothing but rot and chaos as the bloody color of the beer and its medium to full body is the consistency of that blood. Conquering others is what it is all about but like the phrase says, “No Victory without suffering, No freedom without Sacrifice” goes hand in hand with the saying of “All Men must Serve, All Men must Die” and how a war between the conflicting quotes arises due to those who do not see eye to eye. Even like the coin in the label, the good and the bad.

Sources:
http://anime-pictures.net/pictures/get_image/208475-1500×1777-fate+%28series%29-fatestay+night-fatezero-studio+deen-saber-misako12003.jpg
http://www.zerochan.net/1393132#full

Fire and Blood by Game of Thrones and Ommegang

1620846_10101751436015150_8935607891703896654_n 1897939_10101751436154870_961945630627279930_n 970929_10101751436783610_2712889037812797926_nRating: 4.4/5

Fire and Blood by Game of Thrones and Ommegang is a 6.8% ABV Belgian Red Ale brewed with Ancho Chilies

Label:
Born of fire, like Daenerys’ dragons, this ale’s deep, dark-red hue evokes their every blazing breath. Sweet Malts succumbs wispy dryness, tinged with nutty spelt, spicy hops, and rye as ancho chilies portend piquant dark fruit.
___

The third installment to the Game of Throne series of beers. While I don’t necessarily watch the show, I do love Ommegang beers and usually, they don’t disappoint. So when I heard of this red ale, I definitely wanted to try it to see what it is about. It may give some incites into some similar beers I may have had before. The one thing too about this ale though is that it is a Belgian style red and with chilies. The last time I had a Belgian beer with chilies was the Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11. Now that was very good. I will have to see how this one relates.

Aromas:
Honey, banana, cloves, peppercorns, floral hops, subtle hints of pepper spice, musty farmhouse hay, dark fruit, figs, peach, rye, apricot, apples, honey, caramel, toffee and brown sugar.

Flavors:
Caramel, dark fruit raisins, banana cloves, cherry, peppercorns, subtle chile pepper spice, stone fruit, peach, apricot, rye, toffee, apples, honey, pecans, figs, floral hop notes, waffle cone, farmhouse hay, musty notes and brown sugar.

Aftertaste:
Caramel, toffee, honey and peppercorns linger. No alcohol in the taste. Moderate drinkability with medium mouthfeel.

Overall:
A very good Belgian Red with very good flavors. It is not too strong in the chile department and seems more of a supportive role for some of the sweet flavors which are also balanced by the hops and spices. Gimmick or not, this is a good beer but is not as close to the vertical epic. As a Belgian beer, it is great and I am a sucker for good decent Belgians. However, Ommegang offers some other great beers and you can definitely find a more appealing Belgian beer if you enjoy the different styles. This beer is worth a try at least once. This beer won’t age though as it is a 6% ABV but then again, who knows. I think this beer would pair well with a spicy plate as some of the chiles might actually start to come out more.

Anime Corner:
Original art from Dragon’s Crown, Original art from Crooz and original artwork by coffee cat were used in this pairing to represent the awesome dragon labels used in each of the Game of throne beers. Show casing these especially since this is a beer art website, I felt it was important to bring some of those dragon characters into focus but as well as display the fire and blood aspect of the beer in terms of the colors. There is a lot that can be said about these pieces of art which I am sure maybe obvious but you are more than welcome to let me know what you like seeing in these.

Take the Black Stout collaboration by Game of Thrones and Ommegang

1382812_10101435699803050_1709517878_n 1375745_10101435699798060_796599398_n 1381171_10101435699823010_1410032006_nRating: 4.5/5

Take the Black Stout collaboration by Game of Thrones and Ommegang is a 7% ABV Belgian Dark Ale brewed with licorice root and star anise.

Label:
A stout as dark at the winters that once engulfed Westeros, as robust as the men who swear their oaths at the weir wood tree. Chocolate and caramel sweetness are balanced by hop bitterness. Roasty, woodsy notes, and an earthy finish.

Pour slowly so as to not disturb the yeast sediment, but with enough vigor to create a luxurious head and release the rich bouquet.
___

The second release of Game of Throne series of beers is one that is a Belgian Stout. One of my favorite styles. Ommegang decided to brew many of these so make sure to pick this one up before it is gone. Also, even if this could be a gimmick, similarly like the last beer, you can never go wrong with Ommegang beers.

Aromas are similar to a Black Ale, with fragrances of chocolate, licorice, chocolate, caramel, dark fruit, roasted malt, peppercorns, earthy hops, fudge brownie, incense, oak and brown sugar.

The flavors are of roasty and lightly smoked malts, dark chocolate, anise, mint, licorice notes, cola, dark fruit, raisins, plums, clove spice, caramel, earthy hops, pepper, oak, plums, espresso and mocha

The aftertaste is of sweet chocolate, earthy bitterness, dark fruit, and brownie notes. This is a full bodied beer so it is best enjoyed sipping. As it warms up, the beer becomes more balanced. Initially it was pretty roasty but as it warmed up, stuff started to fit together.

Overall this is a very good beer. If you watch the show this may be more enjoyable. I actually do not watch it, but I like good beers and this one is good stuff. Looking at the label with the tree, all dark, woodsy and deep roots in the earth, the flavors make a lot of sense. Might go with Lord of the Rings movies too, who knows. Belgian beer lovers and even those that don’t like licorice will like this one.

Artwork:
Mohshinobi: http://mohshinobi.deviantart.com/

Ommegang Gnomegang Collaboration

945978_10101327421368900_1439469380_n 1016992_10101327421443750_197598945_n 993397_10101327421014610_2098514948_nRating: 4.85/5

Ommegang Gnomegang Collaboration is a 9.5% ABV Belgian Strong Blonde Ale

Label: 
This delectable blonde ale is a co-creation of two famed farmstead breweries: Ommegang in New York and Brasserie d’Achouffe (Chouffe) in Belgium’s Ardennes Mountains. The Chouffe gnomes brought us their yeast and we used it in primary fermentation, then bottle-conditioned with our yeast creating a fruity, aromatic and full bodied ale.
___

For a very long time, I always wanted to try this beer since I became a fan of Ommegang. Also, I have known Chouffe beers to be awesome. Like the one time I reviews the IPA Triple. It was exquisite. This ale was brewed years ago but was finally re-released. So before I lost my opportunity to try it, I had to get a bottle to review

Aromas are of fruity esters, peppercorns, apples, honey, spices, sourdough and biscuit bread, floral hops, coriander spice, vanilla and citrus

The flavors are of sweet honey, biscuit bread, butter scotch, pears, apples, slight peach notes, peppercorns, floral hops, spices, sourdough, phenolic notes, bananas, citrus, lemon peel, vanilla, grapes, plums, coriander, candi sugars, oatmeal, flowers and wheat

The aftertaste leaves with a nice biscuit with honey and tangerine jelly. I was quite impressed by this one. Almost easy drinking but still warm feeling that this beer brought. While the alcohol is not too present in the taste, it gets you after. 

They pulled a great beer that is close to a Belgian Pale and Saison. A golden ale bringing a lot of great complexities and sweetness to the table. Definitely one that should be picked up.

Chocolate Indulgence (2012 New Label Version) by Ommegang brewing

548317_10101133234650640_121298062_n 533263_10101133228602760_1098229231_n Rating: 5.5/5

Chocolate Indulgence (2012 New Label Version) by Ommegang brewing is a 7% ABV Belgian Stout brewed with Real Belgian Chocolate

Label:
Chocolate Indulgence offers a thick tan head of foam resting atop of the rich onyx-hued liquid. The aroma immediately speaks of dark chocolate and dark malts. The gentle herbal notes of perle hops compliments the darker aroma notes, making the ale savory to all the senses
___

I have had this beer last year. The 2007 version which was Ommegang’s 10th anniversary beer. I loved the way the beer was back then so when I hear it was re-released, I had to try it fresher to taste the difference. The aromas are of dark chocolate, sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, slight toasted barley, dulce de caramel, coffee, some dark fruits like plum and raisins, banana and hazelnut bread, cloves and spices. The flavors are fresher than the last time I tried the 2007 version. You really get a great amount of chocolate covered raisins on coffee hazelnut bread dipped in banana pudding all layered with dulce de leche caramel. That is the just of it but to pin point this with individual terms, we get very rich dark, sweet and milk chocolate, raisins, prunes, plums, slight cherry notes, bananas, hazelnut, coffee and mocha bread, brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon, slight peppery spices and smoked barley flavor to even out all the sweetness. Ommegang makes some of the best beers in the world. This beer just happens to be perfect into the category of my favorite Belgian Stouts like Thirteenth Hour, Buffalo Stout, Art of Darkness and many others. I have never tried it fresher but it does seem that the chocolate does fade a bit over time to give way to a more complex smokey and dark fruit flavors. Which is not bad at all, but what can I say, I’m cuckoo for cocoa beers. I already gave a 5/5 rating to the original but I think really enjoyed the greater chocolate flavor of the fresher version of this beer. It is way too amazing for words. Even when it warms up, the chocolate becomes very abundant and very pleasurable. No wonder its called Chocolate Indulgence.

2007 version review: https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/chocolate-indulgence-by-ommegang/

Iron Throne Blonde Ale collaboration by Game of Thrones and Ommegang

540730_10101119930602060_2001122632_n 58908_10101119930567130_336831625_n 533432_10101119925227830_1700813834_nRating: 4.25/5

Iron Throne Blonde Ale collaboration by Game of Thrones and Ommegang is a 6.5% ABV Belgian Blonde Pale Ale

Label: 
Blonde ale with malty sweetness and a touch of fruity spiciness, Noble Hops aromas and notes of citrus. Suitable to serve to kings, or pretenders to the iron throne.

Pour slowly so as to not disturb the yeast sediment, but with enough vigor to create a luxurious head and release the rich bouquet.
___

Ommegang makes some of the best beers in the world but this beer seems like a marketing gimmick really. Regardless, I was able to get a bottle to review for a couple of bucks. The artwork is amazing I will give it that 😛 so I tried to pair some awesome artwork to go with it. The aromas are of some of the best beer fragrances but typically the same as you would find in a tripel or Belgian blonde with fragrances of caramel and honey biscuit bread, banana, bubble gum, apples, peppercorns, citrus, flowers, lemon grass, slight apricot and spices like cloves. The flavors are close to an Allagash Curiex or even the Duvel Rustica. Peppercorns, honey, toasted biscuit bread, slight lemon, grassy notes, slight sour apples, peach, bananas, bubble gum, orange juice, whole grains, clove spice and coriander. It is a very awesome beer for sure, but don’t expect nothing new from what you would get from some of the best Tripels and Belgian Pales out there. Even so, this is a great gateway beer for those seeking into trying Belgian beers. Hence the reason why it is more of a lighter bodied beer than some of Ommegang’s best (Art of Darkness or Three Philosophers) in my opinion ofcourse ;). Still worth a pickup. I will admit that as the beer warms up, it does get even sweeter flavors, almost like a vanilla and burnt sugar flavor, so I guess just give it a moment while drinking it, it could surprise you.

Art of Darkness by Ommegang (New Label)

544578_10101070291663890_1780300422_n 268011_10101070308280590_259821861_nRating: 5/5

Art of Darkness… new label by Ommegang. I have already done several reviews for this beer to know this beer is not an ordinary beer. One of my most world favorites along with Trois Pistoles, St. Bernardus, Black Xantus, Three Philosophers, Black Tuesday, Chocolate Rain and others. 

Label:
Ommegang Art Of Darkness unites barley and wheat malts, flaked oats, Ommegang yeast, and noble hops in a bewitching demonstration of the brewing arts. Yet there are no secret ingredients nor mystical incantations. 

There is only the highest realization of the art of brewing a dark Belgian-style ale of extraordinary flavor, aroma, and balance.

This ale walks the line between being savored now, and being cellared to relish later. As a discerning patron of the dark arts, you an make your own choice.
—-

Tread carefully…this one is evil >:)

https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/art-of-darkness-by-ommegang-6-month-version/
https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/art-of-darkness-by-ommegang/

The Three Philosophers by Ommegang (New Label)

526229_10101069453857860_931053769_n 313764_10101069469122270_1245414941_n 382348_10101069469087340_1594364830_nRating: 5/5

Already did a review on this beer a while back. This is the version with the new label. Still one my top favorite beers in the world.

Label:
The Belgian motto is “Strength in Union.” No phrase better describes Ommegang’s delicious Three Philosophers Quadrupel, which unites malty Belgian-style ale with Liefmans Kriek, authentic cherry ale from Belgium. Dark, mysterious cherry-chestnut color. Pair with Strong Cheeses, desserts, or sip as an after dinner ale. 

https://brewerianimelogs.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/the-three-philosophers-by-ommegang-2/

Rare Vos by Ommegang

63727_10100969378789100_510167516_nRating: 5/5

Rare Vos by Ommegang is a 6.5% ABV Belgian Amber Ale. This was a Christmas day present from my awesome friend Adrian. I have never tried this one from Ommegang so I figured it be an awesome treat as Belgians are some of my favorite beers

Label:
Rare Vos is flemmish for “Sly Fox,” and the name of one of Brussels’ great cafes. It is also the name of our cunning Belgian-Style Amber, which sports a mellow, fruity character and elusive spiciness.
And Remember: A morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable – Jefferson.
___

Upon opening the beer there is grasp of bready sweetness in the aromas. Honey, caramel, orange gummy bears, biscuit bread, citrus, coriander spice and a bit of vanilla. The flavors are of raisin bread pudding, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, toffee, orange, apple, pear, grapes, apricot, banana slices in honey, cloves, cherries and oak. The aftertaste is still rich in flavors of raisin bread pudding and spices. You can never go wrong with Ommegang beers. The art on here is of in relation to a fox. Tails, Naruto and Krystal are some of my favorite fox or fox like characters so in order to match the fox and colors of the beer I chose this piece of anime work. As for the beer, you should know I already recommended, it is remarkably delicious World Class Belgian beer. Not sure on how rare this beer really is…but regardless it is a must try for sure.

Ommegang XV 15th Aniversary Ale

Rating: 5/5

Ommegang XV 15th Aniversary Ale is a 9.6% ABV Belgian Trappist Dark Ale Reserve. I am already a huge fan of Ommegang as they do Belgian beers very well. This is no exception and I seriously think it can go toe to toe with the Trappist styles of Belgian. Just like Westvleteren 12. This is pretty good and hard to find. Probably because it is still trickling down the distribution chains.

 

Label:
Ommegang XV Reserve Ale is an Extraordinary and uncommon ale, even by our refined standards.

One year in creation-and brewed but once- Ommegang XV Reserve Celebrates Fifteen years of creating fine Belgian-Style Ales.

This Celebratory ale honors our ancestry, and pays homage to the world’s most desired ales- The Legendary Trappist Ales of Belgium.

Like the revered Trappist Ales, Ommegang XV reserve is brewed with only the finest ingredients and with devotion and care-creating an ale with strikingly complex aromas and flavors.

Deep, Dark, and Elegant, this ale will delight and satisfy today and will age gracefully in the cellar.
-=—

No kidding, the fragrance and taste of this ale is quite complex and delicious. The Aroma of dark fruits like raisins, banana nut bread, dulce de leche caramel, some minor citrus, and bourbon. The flavors are just like the awesome Trappist beers and quad ales. Raisin fig and banana pecan bread laced with rich dulce de leche caramel, vanilla, cherries, blueberries, wine grape tartness, minor coffee notes in the aftertaste but nothing removing from the primary Trappist focus. I still think that this can go toe to toe with the ever elusive Westvleteren 12, but hey you be the judge of that one.Truly a Belgian worth trying once it arrives in greater quantities 😛

Duvel Rustica by Ommegang

Rating: 4.25/5

Duvel Rustica by Ommegang is an 8.5% Belgian Strong/Imperial Golden Ale. 

Label:

Duvel Rustica is our American farmhouse interpretation of Duvel Golden Ale, renowned worldwide as the finest Belgian Golden Ale. Like Duvel, our ale begins with a perfect balance of fine malts and noble hops, then undergoes fermentation with Ommegang’s proprietary yeast. 

Duvel Rustica is a richly flavorful and aromatic brew with the depth and complexity of the finest Belgian ales. Enjoy the alluring flavors and aromas, fine carbonation, full body, hazy rustic golden hue, fluffy white head and dry, warming finish. 
———

I almost want to consider this a Belgian Pilsner. If you were to add Belgian yeast to a lager you would get something similar to this. I have had many Belgian Pale Ales and even some Golden Ales that have more sweet Belgian fruits and candied sugars. Despite this, I love how this beer presents itself. The bitterness is like that of a pilsner amplified into the realms of Belgian beer. I really think a lot of people that like so called Belgian Lagers like Stella will realize that if you took that beer and made it is more mature, fermented and super complex, and definitely unfiltered, you would get a golden ale truly worthy of then name, Duvel. This isn’t Stella at all though, no where near its league as Ommegang is legend amongst the beer world. This beer is mix thought. Some flavors of strong candied sugar on warm sweet and biscuit bread, vanilla, pilsner flavor like cereal, pears, orange peel, grapes, lemon, some grassy, tangy, pine and pineapple with grapefruit hops. There is is sour dough bready after taste as well. Like a rye bread. Quite the delicious beer at that. I would have to compare Duvel vs. this one to see if one is better than the other. Many beer lovers may like this one 😛

The Three Philosophers by Ommegang

Rating: 5/5

The Three Philosophers by Ommegang is a 9.8%ABV Belgian Quadrupple ale blended with 2% Belgian Kriek (Cherry Belgian Ale). This, is my third next best beer in the world, right next to Trois Pistoles and St. Bernardus 12. It is simply remarkable. This is the 2012 edition and I have tried this beer several times to know I really like this one. This beer is now available at Downey Brewery. 

Label:
Created by blending a rich, malty, Belgian-style ale with authentic Kriek, a classic cherry ale from Belgium, our Quadruple is cultured yet wild, curious yet wise.
And remember “Phisolophy Begins in Wonder” – Plato
—-

The fragrance of the beers is like that of mix of sweet bread, vanilla, caramel and cherries. It is really robust with fragrance. The flavors are very rich. While in some reviews I mentions flavors where in small amounts, medium or rich, this is really rich. Dulce de leche bread, vanilla, capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding with raisins, except this is with cherries and raisins), cinnamon, tangy cherries, raisins, dark fruits like figs and plums, some banana clove, minor pecan, hint of dark chocolate, brown sugar, alittle bit of wine sour grapes but not a lot, just a hint. Many people that have tried this beer enjoyed it. So I don’t see why it would be one of the best. This talking from my personal experience. It is widely available year round in 750ml bottles or in 330ml 4 packs an many craft beers places. Yes, amazingly enough, some of the best beers in the world for me are closer to home than some of the other beers I tired 😛

2011 Review:
SO….. this year I tried the 2011 version. LOL well it is almost the end of the year :P. The Three Philosophers by Ommegang is a true Belgian Quadruple brewed with Cherries. This style is called Kriek where you find a diversity of wine like/beer like flavors as a cherry ale is mixed with this Belgium beauty. Caramel, cherry, bread, unique deliciousness as only found in brews that are the best in 
the world. This is one of my top 10 beers. Originally introduced by my friend Chino, this is a world class for sure. Once that is often missed but surely a necessary pickup. Sometimes I wish they could invent an X-ray tongue tasting device where I can walk into the bev mo or any other craft brew store and learn to pick out the brews of ultimate deliciousness for myself. Sure, there are reviews and all but taste is everything. Until you try it for yourself then you will understand for sure….For anyone that reads my albums here on Facebook you should probably send me some feed back let me know what kind of brews you would like to see posted on here and I will try them and write about them….let me know :)…thanks for reading 😀

Art of Darkness by Ommegang *6 month version

Rating: 5/5 *6 month version2012 (6 months later)

Art of Darkness by Ommegang is an 8.9% Belgian Dark Ale. What can I say, this is the third time I try this beer. I enjoyed it so much I took 2 bottles and started to aged them. I have one aging right now but decided to try the 6 month version. As I had mentioned before, this one is on my list of favorite beers ever. Reminding me of the Thirteenth Hour Stout. Taste more like Stout if it was hybrid with Troise Pistoles and St. Bernardus. Now the thing is, now the chocolate and dulce de leche bread are pushing through further and further. Looks like maturation is starting to make the ABV higher but also bringing forth more sweetness along side with the dark Belgian fruits like the plums, raisins, prunes and cherries. I will probably hold off on this beer for several years and see where it goes. 2012 (Earlier Review)

So it comes down to this huh?? Dabbling with things that should not be dabbled with. But what can one achieve with finding something beyond the taboo of brewing?? Well if anything, hope you don’t get cursed along the way >:)… So for those that may not want to dabble in darkness… I took it upon myself to try this beer before it hit the stores. In fact this beer isn’t even set to release until April 2012. Let’s just say I got the hookups. This is … Art of Darkness Belgian Dark Ale. It is a brew at 8.9% ABV made by Ommegang brewing. A homage to the dark arts of brewing some of the best dark beers in the world. A la Troise Pistoles, Thirteenth Hour Stout, Terrible, St Bernardus 12, Westvleteren, etc. Baler and wheat malts combine with flaked oats, Ommegang yeast and noble hops. Even though the beer is has no secret ingridients like eye of newt or special incantations. The theory is simple, the flavor is complex and delicious. I think I shoul start by mentioning that this beers is much like the Thirteenth hour stout, devils chocolate cake/bread.It follows vanilla and faint grassy citrus bitterness. The sweetness overwhelms both the the after taste and the boozy alcohol feel.Some raisins and licorice flavors are present in there as well. Overall it wants to fit somewhere in the middle of the triangle that composes the best beers in the world for me, Trois Pistoles, St. Bernardus abt 12 and Thirteenth hour. However, it does go toe to toe with the Three philosophers as well except one is cherry bread and the other is chocolate. This Devil’s water is damn sweet, and if you would want to dable at this fine masterpiece…well…good luck >:]

Art of Darkness by Ommegang

So it comes down to this huh?? Dabbling with things that should not be dabbled with. But what can one achieve with finding something beyond the taboo of brewing?? Well if anything, hope you don’t get cursed along the way >:)… So for those that may not want to dabble in darkness… I took it upon myself to try this beer before it hit the stores. In fact this beer isn’t even set to release until April 2012. Let’s just say I got the hookups. This is … Art of Darkness Belgian Dark Ale. It is a brew at 8.9% ABV made by Ommegang brewing. A homage to the dark arts of brewing some of the best dark beers in the world. A la Troise Pistoles, Thirteenth Hour Stout, Terrible, St Bernardus 12, Westvleteren, etc. Baler and wheat malts combine with flaked oats, Ommegang yeast and noble hops. Even though the beer is has no secret ingredients like eye of newt or special incantations. The theory is simple, the flavor is complex and delicious. I think I shoul start by mentioning that this beers is much like the Thirteenth hour stout, devils chocolate cake/bread.It follows vanilla and faint grassy citrus bitterness. The sweetness overwhelms both the the after taste and the boozy alcohol feel.Some raisins and licorice flavors are present in there as well. Overall it wants to fit somewhere in the middle of the triangle that composes the best beers in the world for me, Trois Pistoles, St. Bernardus abt 12 and Thirteenth hour. However, it does go toe to toe with the Three philosophers as well except one is cherry bread and the other is chocolate. This Devil’s water is damn sweet, and if you would want to dabble at this fine masterpiece…well…good luck >:]