Three Philosophers Belgian Style Blend (Quadrupel) - Brewery Ommegang

kbnooshay

New York

5/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Wow. This is a truely a crazy and unique brew. Nice presentation, cool ass bottle. This pours a gorgeous cloudy brown/ruby hue with a beige/brown creamy 1 inch head. The lacing is nice and sporadic. The smell is a combination of all sorta of amazing things with a sweet maltiness. Cherries, chocolate and apples(and maybe orange) were detected. In the begining I sort of felt attacked by the alcohol, the warmth actually hit me right there at the begining but as you experience it you are enveloped in amazingness. The cherry flavor seemed to fade into an excellent balance with the other flavors. The mouthfeel is moderate with a light carbonation that results in a really smooth ride. This is so damn tasty and complex (yet at the same time so drinkable and smooth) that my review does not do it justice, read the others. After you spend 2 or 3 minutes with this the drinkablility increases greatly. The alcohol is hidden very well. A real treat.

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2005 05:15:45 | More by kbnooshay

ultralarry2006

Illinois

5/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured from a 750 ml bottle. Left a one finger head that was colored like espresso foam, that is, it was a biege-brown foam that receded after a while into surface skim that lingered until the end. Not really much in way of lacing. The body was deepest brown, maybe deepest maroon, almost black. Can see through it though, if you hold it up to the light.

Aroma - sweet candied fruit, chocolate, and phenols upfront, some bready malt, some caramelly malt even, in the middle and both some ester and alcohol solvency at the end.

Taste - exactly as nose indicates. Sweet dried and candied fruits ( think dates, plums, raisins ) Add to that a rich hearty sweet bread containing all those dried, candied fruits. The finish is of phenols and the tinyest hint of the high abv of almost 10%. No hop flavor to speak of. Aftertaste of raisiny, date-y, sweet rolls with a little hint of lemon ( there's the hops after all; maybe? ), and yet more of this taste if you lick your lips. Leaves you sweet and dry at the same time, with no bitterness at all, or parching dryness either, nor any kind of cloying sweetness at all. That hint of the alcohol from the high abv I mentioned?, well you kind of have to look for it, or just be aware that it's there to really taste it at all, which I think is always an excellent thing in a beer. Just well balanced deliciously rich ( but not nauseatingly so ) sweet malts and candied, dried fruits.This is excellent beer.

Mouthfeel - very full, moderately chewy, with very little carbonation. Slight hop oil coating. Finishes very dry, but not parchingly so, but does leave your mouth watering for the next sip.

Drinkablity - this goes down very easy, and is delicious! High abv limits it to one 750ml ( or two 12 oz.'ers ) per sitting. I was going to ding it a half point on this trait, but I just can't - it gets the full 5 -just excersize due diligence and repsonsilblity, you'll be wasted in no time flat after two 750's without seeing it coming because this excellent ale completely hides, and I mean completely hides, the potency of its high abv.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2006 19:05:03 | More by ultralarry2006

Romulus141

Nebraska

5/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured from a 3-Liter bottle (wax-sealed and corked) into a clear pub glass. I received this as a Christmas gift, and the presentation was nice. I opened it for New Year's Eve to share with my family.

Appearance: Pours a deep, beautiful red with a fluffy white head. The warmer the beer, the better the head is retained. Lacing stains the edges of the glass, and will not let go. The glow of this beer when held up to a light is a sight to behold. Truly a wonderful looking brew.

Smell: A nice malty smell intermixed with grains (particularly a sweet wheaty aroma). This reminds me of Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dunkel, but even better in the smell department. The smell is quite present, and easy to detect, and delightful. You cannot smell the alcohol. All around one of the best beers I've smelled.

Taste: This is some great stuff. Very complex, and it would be tough to list all the different flavors I experience. There is the wheaty taste, which is followed up with an almost chocolately sweetness. The finish is crisp and smooth. I even detect some citrus style flavors in here from time to time. This beer also goes great with food. Pair it with cheese and crackers, or spicy food. Very versatile.

Mouthfeel: It has a good weight to it, and the carbonation balance is just right. Like a proper ale, it is thicker than most lagers, but not on the degree of a stout. It really caresses the tongue, and is incredibly smooth.

Drinkability: I needed to check the bottle again to remind myself that the ABV is almost 10%. You can't taste the alcohol at all! This is a sipping beer, but if you respect it, it can last you the entire evening, along with a nice meal. You'll probably reach for more afterwards, as I did.

I can't recommend this enough. Definitely one of my favorite beers, and probably the best I've reviewed thus far. For complexity and versatility, you can't beat this.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2007 03:00:18 | More by Romulus141

Gehrig

Illinois

5/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Simply one of the best beers I've ever had. This creamy, smooth flavorful Quadrupel from Ommegang comes in a 25.4 oz. as part of a pack that included Rare Vos and Hennepin, as well as a complementary 12 oz. Ommegang glass. What a delight. It pours a beautiful, rich, three-fingered head with a cloudy reddish amber body--gorgeous. The aroma is a melange of fruit and spice, mainly cherry and a hint of cinnamon. The taste is an excellent balance of the fruitiness of a Quadrupel, with modest spiciness. There is a slightly roasted flavor to it as well, yet nothing overbearing. Cherry is prominent, as is orange, and the fruit blends expertly with a modest amount of pepper. Its creamy texture makes for an easy beer to consume, though its high ABV (9.8%) is something of which to be mindful.

With Ommegang, this is my favorite product from the Cooperstown-based brewery. It does not disappoint, packs a smooth punch, and is right at the top of domestic Belgian-style beers. It's also great for sharing and sampling, and easy to make converts to it. Nearly perfect, in my humble opinion.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2007 22:29:02 | More by Gehrig

ecorrado

New York

5/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

2007, 1 pt 9.4 oz bottle reviewed.

OK. I really didn't want to rate a beer all "5.0" as I understand that this should be really rare. However, honestly, there is nothing wrong with this beer. It is an excellent brew and all people that like Belgian beer should give this beer brewed over 3000 miles form Belgian a try. It has a nice dark color, pours nicely, smells good, and has a taste to die for. Unlike other Belgians I have enjoyed, this also has a great drinkability (sometimes I enjoy my initial tastes of a Belgian and i grows old half way through - but not this one). I don't see how anyone who likes Belgian Ales wouldn't enjoy this brew. Maybe they won;t give it as high praise as I do, but I can't see them not enjoying it.

Serving type: bottle

06-10-2008 02:00:43 | More by ecorrado

gonzo46and2

Florida

5/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Smell is one of the most pleasing of any beer I have had. Chocolate, cherry, soy sauce, smoke, coffee, brown sugar, fruit esters, alchohol, and more. Taste had very similar aspects as the smell. It was sweeter than the smell hinted at but not too sweet. Nice bitterness. Very delicious. Finish is long lasting and bitter.

Serving type: bottle

07-01-2008 06:30:54 | More by gonzo46and2

majesticsock

New York

5/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

The beer has a red & brown tint to it. Pours with a medium head that looks great and incredibly rich.

The smell on this is amazing. Smells like a true Belgian ale with a hint of cherry.

Has a sweet and a bit heavy taste. Difficult to taste the 9.8% alcohol, but I can definitely feel it.

Mouthfeel was a bit thicker than I expected and foams up quick when swooshing around, but has a nice soft texture to it.

Drinkability is exceptional. I could easily stick with this the whole night.

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2009 00:53:41 | More by majesticsock

DonDirkA

Arizona

4.98/5  rDev +20.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Nose of cherries right up front with bananas, toffee, clove, cinnamon and some yeasty characteristics. There's also some dark and dried fruits i.e. plums, currants, raisins and some walnuts buried in there too. The taste is malty toffee and caramel and strong cherries, almost a chocolate covered
cherry flavor. There are notes of tart cherry, raisins, grape, clove, cinnamon, hints of ginger. Some threads of banana bread. There's a lot going on here. I don't know why I never tried this in the past. This is a fantastic Belgian-style ale. Its a blend of a Quadrupel and a classic Kriek. I'm getting some more in the future for sure, especially for only $6.49.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2012 06:00:04 | More by DonDirkA

GeoffRizzo

Texas

4.97/5  rDev +20%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Murky, light brown with red wine highlights that are glowing. Decent, carbonated shoe brown head that clings for it’s life. Oily slick and ohhh sooo smooth and delicate. Bordering on full bodied, and full of flavors; black cherries, roasted malts, coffee and chocolate are all noted in the initial sips. A near sweet and sour palate, tingly warming affect; hints of oak, raisins, figs and hazelnuts. As it warms, yeast and spicy qualities emerge, cotton candy, slightly acidic. Black licorise palate, very clean and satisfying. Tons and tons of flavorings; very tasty and ohhh sooo smooth, worthy of a Top-10 appearance in my book! Superior!

Serving type: bottle

08-21-2005 02:35:13 | More by GeoffRizzo

techdiver

Pennsylvania

4.97/5  rDev +20%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours a hazy deep crimson with modest head that dissipates quickly.

Malt and cherries to the nose.

Taste is complex, seems every taste brings a little something different out. All smooth, initial taste brings plums, raisins and dates to mind. Subsequent tastes show more of the malt and cherry. The cherry never is overpowering.

Fairly full-bodied and well carbonated, a marvelous brew.

So drinkable, the alcohol is well hidden; except for the buzz. One 750ml and I'm not driving a firetruck anywhere. Opened this now to celebrate being packed and ready for a cruise. Sailing tomorrow for Key West and points south.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2006 20:23:54 | More by techdiver

generallee

New York

4.97/5  rDev +20%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

An outstanding quadrupel that's on par with the best beers from Belgium. It pours a dark reddish brown with a dark and cloudy body. The head builds up to a thick pale tan head that bubbles down to a thinner layer that just covers the body. An inviting aroma of sweet dark cherries, caramel, malts and alcohol leads you to the first sip. Sweet dried cherries mixes with caramel and chocolaty malts, sour cherries, plum and raisins. All of these flavors are surrounded by a warming alcohol that fades off slowly with some bitter notes into the finish. The palate is full bodied, smooth and a little sticky. Overall an extraordinary beer that only gets better and more complex with age.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2008 15:29:02 | More by generallee

MVotter

New York

4.97/5  rDev +20%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

The Ommegang Three Philosophers pour into a chalice a somewhat foggy dark-tea, with a thich, two-finger head.

The aroma is sweet, sweet malts ... some alcohol, (some grass possibly?)

The taste is an amazing combination of licorice, and roasted, sweet malts, cherry, (banana, I think) and a warming alcohol finish ... wow!

The mouthfeel is very effervescent ... just a terrific dryness to compliment those sweet malts alluded to above.

This quad is dangerously drinkable; hands down my fave quad. Other quads have been too heavy, too much of a synthetic taste, etc. This brew is none of that!

It IS what you are looking for in a quad. It is why we drink craft beer. It is the product of artisans of the brew ... absolutely, friggin' delicious!

Three WISE Philosophers, indeed.

Serving type: bottle

07-24-2009 03:14:47 | More by MVotter

WolfmanK

New York

4.93/5  rDev +19.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Three Philosophers is a blended brew. It is 98% a Belgian style abbey ale but kick ass strong. Considered a Quadruple in their measuring standards it boasts a huge 9.8% ABV. The other 2% is a Cherry Iambic. What you end up with is a very smooth highly drinkable, and decadent brew.

The Cherries do not overpower the beer at all, but enhance and blend with the natural fruit like flavor of the abbey ale. Although the alcohol content is very high you do not get a strong "booze" or alcohol after taste like Rob and I have found in some of these very high ABV beers. (Yes Brooklyn, I am looking at you...)

The complexity and flavors remind me a bit of port wine, and no doubt this would make a great after dinner beer or a good compliment to a dinner with strong flavors, but I would not reserve it just for that. I would not call it a light beer by any means, and I would probably not reach for it on a hot day, but... I'd also say this is drinkable year round.

All in all it may be the best craft brew I have ever had. I love this beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2009 16:57:18 | More by WolfmanK

XanderCruz

Pennsylvania

4.93/5  rDev +19.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This beer may be my favorite quad i ever had. I have had several bottles since my first one, and they have such a smooth hint of cherry on the back end with no boozy taste that can be found in other quads. As the beer warms the flavors really start to open up. It poured amber colored into a belgian tulip with a nice two finger head. First sip and i knew i was hooked.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2012 15:47:30 | More by XanderCruz

Jarod

Pennsylvania

4.9/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Learned that this batch was over 1 ½ years old. She aged beautifully. Connoisseur tasting, Kennett Square

This beer poured a dark ruby/mahogany color that was cloudy in appearance. The head that was produced was minimal and short lived, just a thin covering that was tan/beige colored. No lace. The aromas were intense and bold! Smells of bourbon, port wine, wooden aging barrels, big dark fruits (raisins, plums, black cherries), sweet dark caramel malts, and alcohol. After I took my first of many whiffs I hoped that the flavors would and had to be as good as the nose. And they absolutely were. Tastes of rich dark sweet malts, dark fruits, fruits macerated in alcohol, port wine and the barrels that they were aged in, caramel, spice (hints), alcohol and a wisp of granny smith apple tartness at the end. Aftertaste was filled with port wine and fruit. Heavy bodied, and thick. Big complex flavors that are rich and heavenly and the warmth from the alcohol were truly inviting. Wow what a beer truly amazing how all the flavors compliment each other so well. Glad I had the chance to experience it, several times in one day.

Serving type: cask

09-09-2003 15:30:05 | More by Jarod

Charthepirate

New York

4.9/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

My god, simply my god. On to the review...

Poured a kind of deep red, almost wine like in it's appearance, except for the big gorgeous foamy head that adorned the top of my chalice.

Smelled of dark malts and cherries.

Three philosophers is a beer to ponder. Deep, complex, round and wonderful. Starts with initially sweet dark chocolate, cofee, cloves, and orange. The coffee and chocolate quickly turn to a more roasted bitter flavor. Shortly after the sweet and swourness of the cherries comes in. Spicy sour and sweet, the cherries round out the beer as at passes down your gullet. It leaves a warming as it goes down, and the aftertaste is of french roast coffee, slightly bitter. Simply wonderful.

A beer that feels round, and full in the mouth. Carbonation is just right, keeping it from being too chewy.

So flavorful I'm not sure how much of this my taste buds could take. It hides the alchohol amazingly well though.

Just amazing beer, if you can find it pick it up.

Char

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2004 06:31:16 | More by Charthepirate

beefytee

New York

4.9/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

LOVED IT!!!!

I was a bit reluctant to bu y the 75cl bottle, fearing that I may not like it and have to waste half a bottle or more...now I wish I had bought the 75cent bottle. I found a small 12 oz bottle in a whole sale distributer in NYC, I snapped it up because I felt it the perfect oppertunity to give it a shot.

I was very pleasantly surprised. I was afraid the lambic would overpower the beer..not at all...it blended quite nicely.

It poured with a beautiful tan/maroon head which lingered through the first third of consumption. The smell was great, warm, the flavor was perfect. The lambic made the beer spring to life on my tongue, delaying the alcohol taste (9.5%) until the instant before swallowing. The finish was strong, and not at all sour as I was fearing. Really a great beer. I look forward to this one in the fall.

Ommegang is s-erious brewery, and I look forward to any new beer they produce

Serving type: bottle

07-20-2004 04:11:36 | More by beefytee

jenbys2001

Florida

4.9/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is one of those beers that makes me smile when I see a bottle of it. It's one of the brews that ignited my passion for good beer. Anyways, what I enjoy about Three Philosophers it that it's a heavy complicated beer, but it's so balanced and drinkable. It pours a deep mahogany color, which most closely resembles a dark tea, with a foamy light tan head. It has a very subtle scent, with slight cherry notes and a maple sweetness to it. The flavor ranges from a caramel nuttiness to an oaky barrel character. The finish is crisp and brings home the cherry undertones. All around this is just a great beer and one of my favorite domestic selections.

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2008 16:45:36 | More by jenbys2001

allergictomacros

Ontario (Canada)

4.9/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A - Cloudy brown with a mixed head of tan foam. Not particularly long lasting.

S - Definite fruity cherry with rich toffee, vanilla, and molasses. Touch of funky Belgian yeast.

T - Sweet, rich and fruity. Cherry isn't that prominent, with much of the flavour being caramelized sugars and molasses. Not overly tart, but with a hint of acidity. Malt is huge and works well with the kiss of hop bitterness in the back end. Alcohols well hidden.

M - Medium bodied with a slight chewiness and mild carbonation/

D- Heck yeah. Probably not sessionable, but I wouldn't mind trying. Huge flavours and well balanced. Very complex.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2008 15:51:42 | More by allergictomacros

cindiwindi1025

Michigan

4.9/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I have been so excited all day to finally have this beer, even though it was very expensive this has been on my MUST TRY list for awhile and was highly recommended to me by two friends who love good beers.

A - dark raisin in color, good fizzy head that fades quick, bubbly like champagne in the glass

S - not as sweet on the nose as I had anticipated, has a sweet undertone with light spice and malt

T - This is seriously the best beer I have ever had. It tastes like figs, banana bread, caramel, cherries, yeast...there is very slight orange in the aftertaste, mixed in with all of the subtle sweetness. This tastes like a beer you want to chew. Pure heaven.

M - Smooth smooth....carbonation is medium to high in the glass, but it really is so smooth feeling. it feels like it coated my mouth with goodness that is lasting for a very long time....(hope forever!). there is absolutely no burn of alcohol in the feel at all.

O - Best beer I have ever had. There is no way that anyone could NOT love this beer. I wish it was more affordable because I would make it my one and only. Made it 4.5 overall just because of the price factor.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2011 02:40:29 | More by cindiwindi1025

King_KongDCO93

Minnesota

4.9/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Cracked opened a 12oz bottle today, a 2012. 9.8 abv

A: reddish amber with a nice off white head that is still lingering. Can't see through the glass.

S: Massive fruity notes especially cherries, I'm getting some notes of raisins, plums, figs, and grapefruit. also getting some caramel aroma. The aroma is amazing!!!! it has that gunk dirty aroma that you need in a Belgian style quad.... and Ommegang hit it spot.

T: Cherry, caramel, and toffee goodness. It is nicely balanced and all the flavors mellow out. It has a hint of butterscotch (just a bit not over powering). The drink-ability on this beer is amazing. at 9.8% abv. It is hard to tell. The cherry is truly bold and great.

M: feels cleansed, zesty, refreshed. It a bit tangy from the mild bitterness, but over all a great feeling

O: Where I am you can usually get a 4pack for around $15 or a bomber for around $10.99. So is it worth it? Yes. this is one of the best sipping beers you will find.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 18:46:45 | More by King_KongDCO93

bewareOFpenguin

Massachusetts

4.88/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Unbelievable, they say it couldn't be done. But it was. I tasted both the lambic and the belguim ale, and they mixed well. Two for one. Dark and carbonated, fruity, yet dry. I had so many great tastes in my mouth I felt like I never tried beer before. And one bottle, 750ml, will do you. Any more and lights out. A perfect feeling.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2004 15:23:48 | More by bewareOFpenguin

Citadel82

New Jersey

4.88/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Pours a cloudy, deep, red-brown with a long lasting tan head. Leaves some sticky lacing and the head finishes as a thick lacy ring with a few self sustaining clouds.

Smell is rich dark dates and dried figs and the faintest of traces of dried cherries and a strong whiff of alcohol.

Taste is strongly alcoholic. Some medicine like notes. Dried sweet-tart cherries, dried cranberries, tawny port, iodine, alcohol, a little dried sweetness and a longish slightly bitter dry finish.

Mouthfeel is surprisingly light for a brew of this gravity. Though overall it is a medium-heavy bodied brew.

Buy a few bottles, drink some, and cellar some for later.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2006 23:41:04 | More by Citadel82

superswing123

New Jersey

4.88/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Appearance:

Dark chocolate color very inviting. Good head upon pour dropping to a thin coating. Lacing throughout.

Smell: Complex. As are all quads. With all the goodies in this one, even more complex. Very pleasant though. Inviting. Full of flavor and complex multiple smells. A good deal of alcohol involved here. Cherries, loads of dark malt, chocolate, raisens, a treat.

Taste: Predominatley... smooth. So smooth. Silky. The style of this beverage has been embraced by this brewer, and they have done well. So the rating is (5!) Can't get any better!

Mouth: Again, smooth. silky. Glides along the way like a feather with so many exceptional flavors along the way..I couldn't imagine anything better, so the rating is (5).

Drinkabilty: "Sessionable" to an extent. Hold onto your seats due the high alc rating. But if your drinking quality beverage like this you're not likely to be one to be silly or stupid. Do not attempt to drive anything short of a lawn tractor. You'll get busted. This is one of those "two's too many" beers. Exceptional quality involved with this brew.

Highly enjoyable, drinkable beer, well qualified of my (5) rating.

Kind of like being at the "top" of the beer world, when you find something like this beverage.

Get some, try some. Enjoy. Congrats to the brewmaster on this one.

...WIlly.. outa Wanaque, NJ

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2007 04:30:21 | More by superswing123

stace

Illinois

4.88/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Wonderful, all-around.

A strong beer, no question, but with a complex flavor, smooth and light mouth feel, extremely pleasant aroma, and very drinkable, provided you know how to appreciate a beer of this strength and style.

It's strong, which is evident in every aspect, but the flavors do not let the alcohol take over. Reddish-brown in color, with a minimal head and carbonation make this a fine sipping beer.

This particular bar serves it in its official glass, which is a small 9 oz. wine glass. All aspects of drinking this fine brew are a treat, without question.

If you have the opportunity to enjoy this beer on tap, by all means take it. It's worth it.

Serving type: on-tap

03-14-2008 01:12:09 | More by stace