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Still One Beer A DAy
Posted by: | CommentsWhat do you think? Should this be the BeerADay.net theme song?
It starts out so promising… let that be a lesson to us all, never start a relationship with a Corona!
Wondering where the latest updates are at? You’re not alone. It seems life can get in the way — but not in the way of drinking beer. I owe all of you several posts about the great beer I’ve been drinking, and I expect to catch up with some quality posts this weekend.
(Once I get through July 4th weekend, my posting schedule should right itself.)
In the meantime, keep watching BeerADay.net and the BeerADay Twitter account for updates. I almost always post a brief note about the beer I’m drinking on Twitter. If you are on Twitter, please give me a follow. And if you AREN’T using Twitter, my most recent updates are always available in the side panel of BeerADay.net.
Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel
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My love of IPA-style beers has intensified during this yearlong “one-a-day” challenge. But after making my way through many of the Trappist ales in late March, I discovered an enthusiasm for the Belgian style called a Tripel.
A good Belgian Tripel is refreshing and crisp, boldly alcoholic, and full of flavor — spicy, sugary, yeasty, and often tartly bitter. You can drink a Tripel and its carbonated, fresh taste makes you feel energized and renewed even as the relaxing effects of the alcohol wash over you.
Many Tripels pack a surprising amount of bitterness for such a light-colored and often fruity beer. The hops in a Tripel are often designed as a check on the fruit and candy sugar sweetness, acting to balance the brew, tame the alcohol, and clear the palate for a crisp finish. But the IPA style reverses this emphasis, often showcasing hops and emphasizing bitterness while layering in sweet and pale malt for balance.
Avery Out of Bounds Stout
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For regular readers, Avery Brewing Company needs no further introduction. They brew a wide variety of ales and lagers that focus quite effectively on quality and craft — and I’ve become a big fan of this Colorado brewery.
Avery’s Out of Bounds Stout seemed like a good palate cleanser after a week of Belgian style ales. This Irish Dry Stout is a regular feature of the Avery lineup and boasts a rich, roasted taste.
Ommegang Three Philosophers
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“Philosophy Begins in Wonder.”
– Plato (from the Three Philosophers label)
This week’s journey through the year-round Ommegang brews has been quite a treat. Without intentionally doing so, I staged the beers in order of increasing strength — the simple, wheaty, Witte had an easy 5.1% ABV; fragrant Rare Vos clocked in at 6.5% ABV; spicy Hennepin at 7.5% ABV; and the richly complex Ommegang Abbey Ale tipped the scales at 8.5% ABV.
But while tonight’s Three Philosophers (a Quadrupel style) flexes quite a strong muscle at 9.8% ABV, it competes first and foremost on merit and taste.
Three Philosphers is a Belgian-style ale blended with Lindeman’s Kriek, a Lambic fermented with cherry syrup. Though Kriek constitutes a mere 2% of this beer, its impact on the flavor and aroma is impressive.
Ommegang Abbey Ale
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“The most profound joy has more of gravity than of gaiety in it.”
– Michel Eyquem De Montaigne (from the Ommegang label)
Ommegang’s Dubbel is called, simply, Ommegang Abbey Ale. It was the brewery’s first beer and, as you make have guessed, namesake. But that simple name belies a rich and deliciously complex beer that would stack up favorably against any true Belgian Dubbel.
And though this won’t make the news channels, I’m also pleased to report this Dubbel gives me the first opportunity to use my Ommegang chalice with an Ommegang beer!
