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Three Philosophers

Brewery Ommegang

Cooperstown, NY

Belgian Quadrupel Ale

Fucking wow!

This was my first Belgian style ale and it did not disappoint. I was happy to be able to get one that was brewed a few hours from where I live. This beer is incredibly complex and at 9.8% ABV it is NOT for the faint of heart.

It is very dark amber color with a fluffy off-white head that clings to the glass nicely as you drink it.

It smells and tastes malty with a twinge of sourness to it. Kinda fruity. On the label it says “98% Ale – 2% Ale with cherries added”. Almost like a really strong, heavy lambic. This is not a “just mowed the lawn” beer. I think this would best be enjoyed after a nice steak dinner.

WTF is a Quadrupel ale? Beer Advocate says:

“Inspired by the Trappist brewers of Belgium, a Quadrupel is a Belgian style ale of great strength with bolder flavor compared to its Dubbel and Tripel sister styles. Typically a dark creation that ranges within the deep red, brown and garnet hues. Full bodied with a rich malty palate. Phenols are usually at a moderate level. Sweet with a low bitterness yet a well perceived alcohol. “

Well perceived alcohol indeed! Warms you from the throat to the stomach.

Here is another review from someone with a more refined palate than myself:

"An exciting new addition to the Ommegang lineup is Three Philosophers, a blend of Belgian dark strong ale and Liefman's Kriek (a classic cherry lambic directly from Belgium). On the bottleneck, it says “Strength in Union,” signaling the beer's portent and possibilities. It produces a wine-like ruby fill in the goblet and a nose of malt, dark fruits, vanilla and sweet cherries...But there's more - coffee, currants, brandied raisins, chocolate and sour notes - all blending nicely across the palate. Careful aging is this beer's friend, and I think it will definitely make this example better still."
-THE ANCHORAGE PRESS

I paid $7 for the bottle in the picture. I think I would spend that much for another one and keep it in the beer cellar for a few years to see how it will age. I imagine something like this would get even better and more interesting as time goes on.

Cheers!