Maybe I got a bad bottle
Written: Nov 20 '05 (Updated Nov 20 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: High abv, interesting concept
Cons: The whole was WORSE that the sum of the parts.
The Bottom Line: Their other Belgian-style ales are better.
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| Saxguy's Full Review: Three Philosophers Belgian Style Ale |
This caught my eye, because I’ve liked the high abv and adequate taste of the Ommegang Belgian-Style ales, brewed in Cooperstown, NY. I’ve also enjoyed the taste of a number of lambics, among them Sam Adams Cranberry Lambic and a Raspberry “Tart” by the New Glarus Brewing Co., although my liquor store no longer has it. While I like the flavor, I prefer higher abv than that found in the typical lambic.
Reading the label, I discovered that it has 9.8% abv and is a blend of a “rich, malty, Belgian-style ale with Lindeman’s Kriek, a classic cherry lambic from Belgium. I also found that Ommegang is now part “of the Duval Family of Fine Ales”. So, I bought it for $5.99.
I noticed that several reviewers that I respect have really enjoyed this. I didn't. The bottle wasn't flat - there was plenty of carbonation. Still, I found this to be a disappointment.
The Nose More subtle than I would have expected, a little Belgian malt, a little cherry, a little alcohol.
The Pour Dark brown head with a tinge of red. Strong, long-lasting head.
The Taste Rather understated. Not much Belgian malt, not much cherry. In it’s favor, there’s good carbonation and not too much taste of the alcohol. There is a litte tartness on the finish. The body was fairly light, typical of this style of ale.
The Aftertaste A little bit of cherry, no Belgian flavor, a nice buzz.
I’m disappointed in this. I like Belgian flavor and I like lambics, but that was WORSE than the sum of its parts. Like Sam Adams Chicolate Bock, this is better separate than as a blend.
As for compatible foods, this is bland enough to go with nearly anything.
I suppose it might be worth trying for the beer gourmet, but Ommegang’s other Belgian-style ales are better.
Thanks for reading. God bless!
You might be interested in some of my other restaurant and gourmet reviews:
Sam Adams 2005 Imperial Pilsner
Bell’s 7000 ale
Baltika #6 Russian Beer
Baltika #4 Russian Beer
Unibroue Terrible Belgian-style Ale
Zhiguly 9.5 Grand Lithuanian Beer
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Goose Island Demolition Ale
Hackney’s Restaurant in Glenview
Bob Chinn’s Crab House
Twin Anchors Restaurant in Chicago
Pavilion Restaurant in Chicago
Szechuan East Restaurant in Chicago
Recommended:
No
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