Ommegang - Three Philosophers

Tonight I have the pleasure of reviewing one of the best beers crafted in America according to the Homerbrewers Association and the readers of their publication, Zymurgy.  Brewery Ommegang's Three Philosophers ranked tied for 29th alongside four other competitors.  The top beer on the list, three years running, is Russian River's Pliny the Elder.  They don't distribute out here so if you can get this brew out where you live Dunz and I would happily do a brew trade in order to experience what so many others are raving about.  There are a lot of other brews on that list that we have already reviewed.  Check out the list and compare our thoughts to see if their ranking on the list is warranted!

If you look close enough you can see my
cat in the background, playing a kitty version
of Wheres Waldo.

Brewery Ommegang has one of the bigger presences within the States when it comes to authentic European and Belgian brews.  We reviewed their Rare Vos and Abbey Ale and thought both were great.  The Abbey Ale post has a good background of the breweries origins and how they got to where they are today.

Three Philosophers is an authentic Belgian quad blended with a cherry Kriek with an additional 2% cherries added to accentuate the flavor.  Very unique, I doubt there is another beer on the market like it within the U.S.  The bottle reminds us to pour the beer slowly so as to not disturb the yeast on the bottom but vigorous enough to create a "luxurious head and release the sumptuous bouquet".  Ommegang does a great job at getting you in the mindset to enjoy their beer.  They don't want you to just drink the beer, they want you to have a great overall experience.

Ommegang's Belgian blend is a deep mahogany color with a sandy tan head.  With a robust 9.4% ABV the head recedes rather quickly and forms a thin tan lacing around the circumference of my glass.  The first smell is of dark candied fruit and Belgian spice.  Hints of alcohol come through with some black licorice tip-toeing throughout.  The flavor is where the Kriek's role comes in.  Smooth and creamy, dark candied black cherries blend together with an intense malty spice that you only find in well crafted Belgian brews.  Some alcohol warmth plays nicely with a subtle carbonation to accentuate the flavors all the way through to the finish.

Overall - If you enjoy Belgian brews you cannot pass up Ommegang's Three Philosophers.  Originally, I had thought the Kriek would play a larger role here but the quad that its blended with does a nice job taking center stage and allowing the cherry Kriek to play a supporting role.  It adds an additional layer of complexity that keeps you coming back for another sip.