Mike's Beer of the Week

Beer Information

Brewery: Ommegang 

Beer Name: Three Philosophers

Beer Style: Belgian Quadrupel

Abv.: 9.80%

Serving Glassware: Chalice

Serving Temp.: 50-55 deg. F.

Packaging: 4-pk 12oz bottles, 750mL bottles

Price: ~$12

Availability: Year-round

Pairings: Dessert (Belgian chocolate, brownies)

Mike's Ratings (1-5)

Overall Grade/Rate: A-/4.6

Appearance: 4.5

Aroma: 5

Taste: 4.5

Mouthfeel: 4.5

Drinkability: 4.5

BeerAdvocate Avg. Rate: A-/4.1

Mike's Description

This is the beer that originally attracted me to good beer. 

Appearance - Darkish brown brew that has an opaque character representative of the style. About a half inch of khaki head that lasts throughout the session and produces a nice lace profile. Some sediment is seen floating near the bottom of the chalice indicative of Belgian yeast strains.

Aroma - As expected for a Quad, negligible hop contribution/bitterness. The sweetness of darker fruits is the dominant element here. Some licorice, caramel, and hints of cinnamon are present.

Taste - Foreshadowed by the aroma, dark fruit represents most of the flavor. Plum, red pear, raisin, fig, and some faint grape make up this niche. Some hop bitterness is present, but barely noticeable.

Mouthfeel - The blatant pioneers of this beer (dark fruits) are what linger in the aftertaste. Complex Belgian yeasts fill in any gaps to make this a truly full-bodied beer. Some sweet malt character presents itself here as well.

Overall - Despite not being made in Belgium, this beer represents the accuracy and precision with which Ommegang produces tasty Belgian-style ales. Three Philosophers is better than many Belgian quads despite being US-made and it is definitely my favorite American quad.