Three Philosophers
Brewery Ommegang

750 mL bottle poured into an RR -tion glass.

Appearance - Deep ruby body with an ample off-white head. Two to three fingers at least. Good retention and a smidgen of lacing.

Smell - Banana esters, cloves, some cherries. I feel like the cherries cover the malt aromas that would really round it out nicely.

Taste - Bananas, apple, and cherries again. A very nice fruit flavor that again lacks a bit of depth that some stronger caramel malt would solve. It's certainly more prevalent in the flavor than the taste, but still leaves a bit to be desired. Earthy dry finish.

Mouthfeel - Very highly carbonated that distracts a bit from the flavor. Looking for more of a slick mouthfeel to enhance the depth of flavors.

Overall - Perhaps my review is a bit harsh, because it tastes great. American Quads are always missing just a hint of something, but I love the style, so it's tough to criticize too much.

Bottle from 2003.

Pours clear mahogany with zero head or retention. Caramel-coated apples with cherries in the nose. Medium bodied with a syrupy, flat mouthfeel. Sweet malt with figs and faint cherry on the palate.
Finishes with plump malt, cherry, and faint plum.

Pours a deep brown with ruby highlights and a frothy, lasting tan head. Aromas of caramel, cherry, and dark fruit. I get raisin, plum, caramalized malt, and subtle tart cherry with a smooth, slightly dry finish. Medium mouthfeel with mild carbonation. Overall, it's a flavorful quadrupel that balances sweetness, spice, and cherry character beautifully.

end of the day, not for me. the flavor profile is just surprisingly muted. scent is very nice but the taste does not deliver on the nose. sadly this confirms my judgement "no Belgian style". The real thing or nothing. no way 92.

A rich, elegant, and lovely beer meant to be savored at the table. Cherry and chocolate flavors really are intense when sipping.

Exceptional beer. Quad base with strong cherry nose and taste. Just enough alcohol burn on the finish. A perfect sipper for this cold and dreary evening

 

 

Pours a dark brown with a small tan head and a fair amount of carbonation. The description is spot on and is a nice sipping beer. Ages very well as this can says BB 11-9-2021. Really complex flavor.

RB transfer

Clear mahogany, off-white head, good retention, rings of lace
Dried sour cherries, angelino plums, a bit of molasses, raisins, and a hint of spice aroma
Lots of dried fruit, some brown bread, just enough spice flavor to keep it fresh tasting
Medium bodied and appropriately carbonated
Better than a lot of the authentic Belgians of the style, and at a better price point.

 

 

 

 

I just had my first Three Philosophers in 2025 after visiting the brewery in Cooperstown. I'm a huge fan of Belgian styles so I've got mixed feelings. I've been missing out on this one for a long time but, at the same time, I've got a new favorite! Love the chestnut brown color, a little on the hazy side. The aroma will let your tongue know cherries are on the way. It's full bodied as you would expect with a quad (and also a little boozy). Love the sweet finish. Just a great beer.

I think I’ve had this on draught before BA, this time from a bottle poured into a beer glass.
A hazy chestnut/cooper pour with an abundant beige head, and random lacing.
Caramelized malt flavor is dominant, caramel/toffee notes, some booziness, hints of dark cherry/fruit & banana , chocolate, rum/raisins, and dates/figs. Vanilla and slight cherry cordial sweetness linger in the background.
A little carbonation tickle on the tongue on the finish.
A very good Belgian Quad!

Deep mahagony color with medium white head. Smells of cherry and a bit boozy. Taste of cherry, malt with a fairly heavy spice and alcohol finish. This is great by a fire on a crisp evening.