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Ommegang Abbey Ale
Ommegang Abbey Ale
There is no doubt that Trappist Monks know a thing or two about brewing beer. So Ommegang Abbey Ale certainly has a lot to live up to with their interpretation of a world-class style of beer.
The color is spot on for a Dubbel. Deep ruby with a fluffy off white head. The familiar sweet malt and sour fruits fill the nose. The flavor is quite close, too. Sweet malt, fruit, lots of spice and black pepper. Maybe some anise, too. Full and creamy in the mouth with a pleasant alcohol warmth on the way down from the 8.5% ABV.
If there is any drawback, I’m getting an overly salty soy sauce flavor.
Overall, it’s outstanding, but I would put it a notch below similar offerings from true Trappist breweries.
Grade: A
21st Amendment Monk’s Blood
21st Amendment Monk’s Blood
How could I resist a beer called Monk’s Blood? This offering from 21st Amendment is also canned. More on that later.
Not red like you might imagine, but more of the brown of a Monk’s Robe, keeping with the Abbey style. While the nose is nothing but sour, it would be nearly impossible to pick out all the subtleties. Cinnamon, vanilla, wood, caramel sweetness, clove spice, sweet malt. There is some sourness at first and at the very finish, but not as much as the smell would have you expect. A ton going on with this one, and at 8.3% ABV, by the time you figure it all out, you won’t be able to figure anything!
The can throws me, though. I took the first couple of drinks in the can and it just didn’t feel right! Too much of the metal taste, as well.
Give it a try and hold on!
Grade: A