{Since the rating bars are Somewhat Helpful at best, my translation of the values:
Weight: 4 - Medium Body
Flavor: 4 - Sweet
Complexity: 2 - Complex )
Having found the Brewery Ommegang's Ommegang to be way to licorice for this beer nerd, I gave the bottle of Ommegang Hennepin away. Months later, I've decided to give this 750 mL bottle of Rare Vos a try. I'm pleasantly surprised.
Head
Generous, beige white. Belgian lace formed on the glass as I imbibed.
Color
Slightly cloudy (because it's bottle conditioned!), caramel-tan.
Aroma
Smells like mead. A light honey scent, a touch floral, a touch of alcohol.
Flavor, Body, Finish
This has a somewhat fruity character, with a medium body. The moderate malt starts light and sweet that picks up into the finish. Strong citrus on the finish, which is preceded by a hint of licorice (which I generally detest, but in this case it's just subtle enough to make me aware of it without totally making my tummy hurt).
Aftertaste
Citrus and light-to-moderate hop-bitterness. Dry.
Warm
Brings out the licorice, the malt becomes stronger, and the citrus mellows some.
Propaganda
Their website, including information about Belgium, Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY, and the Tintin cartoon character is at http://www.BelgianExperts.com/ .
This beer was awarded the Platinum Medal (96) at the 2001 World Beer Championships.
Brewery Ommegang is the only brewery in the U.S. dedicated to the production of all bottle-conditioned Belgian-style ales. Thank God?
The labels of all three of the Ommegang Belgian-style brews have information such as: the distance from the brewery to Belgium (3,624 miles (don't they use kilometers?)), instructions on how to pour the beer, and Speak French in southern Belgium, Flemish in the north. Try dipping your french fries in mayonnaise. [But what do I dip my flemish fries into?] I won't spoil the rest of the stuff, because it really is mildly entertaining the first time. And like my father says "Once is funny, Twice is enough, Three times is a spanking."
Conclusion
This is a light Belgian-style beer, not like the Ommegang at all, which was thick and more appropriate for drinking with a ox-blood chaser. I'd certainly recommend it as a beginning of an introduction to Belgian-style beers.
Quick Stats
Original Gravity: -?-
Final Gravity: -?-
Alcohol by Volume: 6.5%
Color in Lovibond: -?-
Bittering Units: -?-
Malts: -?-
Bittering Hops: -?-
Flavor Hops: -?-
Aroma Hops: -?-
Bottles: Corked, 750 mL, Bottle conditioned.
Expiration date: No (Intended to be cellared)
Rare Vos was named after a Brussels bar made famous as the starting point for bicycle and pigeon races. As you pour, you'll notice the beautiful coppe...More at GarysWine.com
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