KatakanaKarl
07-06-2006, 09:05 PM
Well, it's that time again. Time for Karl to review another fancy alcoholic beverage.
This time, we have a very interesting little number: Three Philosophers Belgian Style Blend:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b356/KatakanaKarl/threephil.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b356/KatakanaKarl/071905_threephil.jpg
This beer, crafted by the Ommegang Brewery in Cooperstown, NY, is an American interpretation of a traditional Belgian style of beer: The Quadrupel. A Quadrupel is a type of ale (that's a beer made with top-fermenting yeast) that is strong in color and flavor. Usually dark brown, a Quadrupel is also quite high in alcohol compared to most American beers, so it can knock you off your feet if you're not careful.
While some might say that the Trappist beers made in the Cistercian monasteries of Belgium and the Netherlands are without equal, the folks at Ommegang have certainly created an ale worthy of comparison.
The aroma is marvelous. A light medicinal scent, along with hints of licorice and mint. This is a beer that is almost as good to smell as it is to drink. It is as complex as it is strong, with a pronounced maltiness that wafts over the tongue with a noticable sweetness. The creaminess of this brew is enough to drive a weak man insane. A mild herbal taste is soon overcome with hints of dried fruits and the hidden warmth of alcohol. The added cherry lambic adds a slight fruitiness that is pleasant, and doesn't get in the way of the overall experience. A slight hop bitterness balances out this complex ale, and brings about a smooth finish.
Beers like this give me faith in the American brewing industry. It is on par with some of the greatest beers in the world, such as Westvleteren 12, and Chimay Blue. And the best part is, a 750ml bottle sells for about $6-$7, which is about half as much as you'd spend on an equal amount of abbey beer.
It's best to serve this ale at about 50 degrees F, in a wide-mouthed glass, preferably a Trappist goblet. It is unfiltered, so proper decanting will be needed to prevent sediment from collecting in a serving glass. At 9.8% alcohol by volume, lightweights should take caution drinking this beer. I would suggest sharing a 750ml bottle with a friend, otherwise you might end up on the floor (thanks to my incredible constitution, I am still standing after drinking an entire bottle, as well as a second bottle of Chimay Red, but don't push yourself if you're unsure of you tolerance).
Happy Drinking!
This time, we have a very interesting little number: Three Philosophers Belgian Style Blend:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b356/KatakanaKarl/threephil.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b356/KatakanaKarl/071905_threephil.jpg
This beer, crafted by the Ommegang Brewery in Cooperstown, NY, is an American interpretation of a traditional Belgian style of beer: The Quadrupel. A Quadrupel is a type of ale (that's a beer made with top-fermenting yeast) that is strong in color and flavor. Usually dark brown, a Quadrupel is also quite high in alcohol compared to most American beers, so it can knock you off your feet if you're not careful.
While some might say that the Trappist beers made in the Cistercian monasteries of Belgium and the Netherlands are without equal, the folks at Ommegang have certainly created an ale worthy of comparison.
The aroma is marvelous. A light medicinal scent, along with hints of licorice and mint. This is a beer that is almost as good to smell as it is to drink. It is as complex as it is strong, with a pronounced maltiness that wafts over the tongue with a noticable sweetness. The creaminess of this brew is enough to drive a weak man insane. A mild herbal taste is soon overcome with hints of dried fruits and the hidden warmth of alcohol. The added cherry lambic adds a slight fruitiness that is pleasant, and doesn't get in the way of the overall experience. A slight hop bitterness balances out this complex ale, and brings about a smooth finish.
Beers like this give me faith in the American brewing industry. It is on par with some of the greatest beers in the world, such as Westvleteren 12, and Chimay Blue. And the best part is, a 750ml bottle sells for about $6-$7, which is about half as much as you'd spend on an equal amount of abbey beer.
It's best to serve this ale at about 50 degrees F, in a wide-mouthed glass, preferably a Trappist goblet. It is unfiltered, so proper decanting will be needed to prevent sediment from collecting in a serving glass. At 9.8% alcohol by volume, lightweights should take caution drinking this beer. I would suggest sharing a 750ml bottle with a friend, otherwise you might end up on the floor (thanks to my incredible constitution, I am still standing after drinking an entire bottle, as well as a second bottle of Chimay Red, but don't push yourself if you're unsure of you tolerance).
Happy Drinking!