Endless Beer: Ommegang Three Philosophers

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Ommegang famously brings us the Game of Thrones series beers, but also offers other varietals that pack their own punch. Speaking of fame, one of Ommegang’s more well known brews is the Three Philosophers. Weighing in at 9.7% ABV, the Three Philosophers promises to relax if nothing else. Three Philosophers was born when Ommegang asked homebrewers what the “perfect brew” would taste like. The answer was flavors of caramel, chocolate, and cherry. Ommegang messed with various variations until the reached a mixture of 98% ale and 2% kriek (lambic). Here are our tasting notes:

ABV: 9.7%

Poured into tulip glass.

Appearance: Brown, mahogany color

Aroma: Very fruity smell along with a butterscotch scent with very subtle licorice and boozy smell.

Taste: Sweet molasses and fruity flavors throughout the creamy sip along with a boozy, warming flavor. The booze, however, does not take over – it complements the sweetness of the brew. Good balance of earthy hops.

Mouthfeel: Very smooth drink leaving a butter coating on the roof of your mouth.

Overall: With such a high ABV, I was expecting something that hit you right in the face with booze flavor and warming feel. While the boozy flavor is there, it is not overwhelming. The other complexities of the drink (herbal/earthiness of the hops and malts along with the sweetness of the overall brew) stand out and if anything, complement the boozy flavor of the suds. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to have an entire bomber, but if I wasn’t splitting it with a friend I would have had the entire bottle. I’d be interested in tasting an aged variation against the most recent year’s in the future.

ES Rating: 4.5/5 Suds

Endless Pairings:

Cheeses: Cabot aged cheddar with balsamic glaze and crostini

Entree: Espresso crusted steak with brussels sprouts and caramelized shallots

Dessert: Creme brulee

Cigars: CAO mx2, Alec Bradley Black Market

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