Three Philosophers Belgian Style Blend (Quadrupel) - Brewery Ommegang

BudHater111

Iowa

4.8/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I am not much for words, this I can hardly call a beer though. It is incredible, I truly love the smell and how smooth this beer is to drink. Definitely a sipping beer, not something you will want to drink down as fast as you can. Take your time and enjoy...

Serving type: bottle

08-17-2010 15:48:32 | More by BudHater111

shand

Florida

4.8/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from a 750ml corked and caged bottle into a chalice. 2008 vintage.

Boom! Uncorking this bottle, the cork absolutely flew all the way across my apartment. There was no gushing though, guess the yeast has done plenty of munching over the past four years. This brew pours a hazy deep ruby color with a modest head that quickly drops down to a ring around the edge of the glass. The aroma is big on sweet and dark fruits, and not too much else.

The taste is excellent, this bottle progressed very well. The sweet fruit flavors, especially cherry, are still dominant, but lacking their sharp edge. The dark fruits and chocolate get their chance to shine on the finish. There's a nice backing provided by the yeast. The alcohol sometimes present in fresher bottles has now completely mellowed, this is now a super-easy drinker. The mouthfeel is solid, it's lightly carbonated and goes down very smoothly. The drinkability? Off-the-charts. This brew just goes down so easily, any hint of alcohol this beer presented is completely gone, making this one very dangerous. Overall, I'm very happy with this beer. It's just straight-up delicious.

Serving type: bottle

07-24-2011 01:22:29 | More by shand

mattmaples

Oregon

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This beer ROCKS!! This was the winner of the "Create A Great Beer" contest hosted by Real Beer. The winning entry was submitted by Noel Blake of Portland Oregon.

I was only given a small glass so I can't comment on the head. But it was an Amber Brown hue, had a great plum/apricot fruity ester. It had little bitterness but had a phenol spiciness that played very well with the fruitiness without overpowering.

It had an amazing drinkability for a 9.8% Get some while you can, I know I am going to be putting a few down as it should age very well.

As for the style, if you can think of a better one it should be in please change it.

Man I love my job :-)

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2002 20:46:05 | More by mattmaples

Brewfan

Connecticut

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I visited the Ommegang brewery with a friend 3 years ago before we had even heard of Ommegang. Neadless to say, 3 years later, we're both still drinking the brews from Cooperstown on a regular basis. Rare Vos and Ommegang were our brews of choice, and although I still drink all Ommegang offerings, Three Philosophers definately takes presidence.

Upon pouring into an Ommegang chalace, the alcohol was instantly apparent. The color was a nice dark amber. The head and lace dissipated rather quickly, but I have found this to happen with all 3-Philosophers I've dranken, so it didn't surprise me.

The smell, apart from alcohol, which mellowed towards the end of the beer was nice and fruity with a definate black cherry aroma.

Now cherry aromas are nice and amber color is good, but what gets me about this beer is the taste. I have loved this medium body beer since the first time I've tried it. It's one of the few beers my wife, who is not a beer lover, said that she would be able to drink a whole glass of. I love the way the malt flavor mingles with chocolate and licorace overtones. It is such a beautiful, well crafted beer, I figured that it should be the first beer I rate.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2003 16:33:53 | More by Brewfan

meathookjones

Virginia

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This came in a nice looking 750ml corked bottle. This appears a nice brown color with dark red hues in the light with a nice sized beige head. While receding down to a collar of bubbles there are nice sheets of lace left clinging to the glass that stay for the duration. A very complex aroma rises out of the glass the smells of sweet fruits, caramel malt and the cherry lambic can be detected as well more so when it warms. There are also trace amounts of alcohol and spice in the nose as well. The taste starts of with the sweet caramelized malts with fruits such as apples and cherries coming through. The finish has a good earthy hop flavor, slight alcohol with a lingering cherry taste. There is so much going on in the taste I will need to pick up a few more bottles to fully appreciate this tasty brew. Mouthfeel is full and creamy with a coating light fruit sweetness that is amazing. This is defiantly a sipper but I could sip this all day provided I had no plans. This is defiantly one of my new favorite beers, great job by Ommegang.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2004 15:03:15 | More by meathookjones

k75

Pennsylvania

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

12oz bottle

reddish brown w/ slight haze from the pour

light brown head - moderate length (good for the %)

medium to full mouthfeel - complex flavors of fruit pit acidity and dryness to background notes of biscuit and sweet malts

strength is evident in the stomach, but subdued on the palate

cherry lambic character is subtle and serves as support rather than the main event

finish is moderately long and slightly drying

a modern classic of blending A+

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2006 18:45:26 | More by k75

srrn

North Carolina

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 750ml caged corked bottle.

A deep ruby brownish color with the obligatory 'funky' smell of a Belgian style ale, with cherries, plums and a bit of raisins and spice.

A bit of fizz on the mouthfeel and nice lacing on the glass.

Taste of spice cake, raisins and plums, cherries more in the aftertaste. Slight bitterness in the finish too. If you can go a bit between sips this beer leaves a wonderful taste in the mouth for some time. Smells so good too.

Highly reccommended, this is one of my desert island beers.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2006 18:38:39 | More by srrn

Will46andbrew

Rhode Island

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I'm very new to Belgian style beers and I don't know too much about them, but I know that I really like this one! It's a Quadrupel mixed with a cherry lambic. It is on the sweet side, but not too sweet, it's a nice blend.
This is one of my personal favorites and I usually have a 750ml in my fridge at all times. A great buy, if you get a chance, try it!

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2006 21:04:27 | More by Will46andbrew

scarletfire79

New Hampshire

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

this is quite possibly the best beer i have ever had. beautiful redddish brown with a wheaten colored head. smells like cherries and toffee. very nice. the taste is fruity upfront, but leads up to nice complexity. sweetness mixes with roasted notes and tofee flavors round out a sharpness. the finish is slightly warming in the chest. very nice. extremely drinkable. a few members have described as luxurious. in new hampshire we would said this kicks major ass. great brew.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2007 17:48:56 | More by scarletfire79

gfreed

Massachusetts

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Another great beer from Ommegang. This one's very complex: lots of fruit, lots of spice, including cloves and nutmeg. Extremely drinkable. A nice head that lasts a while and smells wonderful. Take plenty of time to enjoy the aroma. You cannot go wrong with this.

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2008 00:57:06 | More by gfreed

nasty15108

New York

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On a recent trip to the Baseball H.O.F. I stopped by the Ommegang Brewery and picked up a 750ml. bottle of this cave aged ale. Like most people I was skeptical with the "Cave Aging", in which the ale is cellered in near by Howe Caverns for 9 months, but after sampling this ale I had to get some more to bring home. As good as Three Philospheres is, this cave aged varity is even better!

A - Poured a dark amber (sweet tea)color with a creamy tan head. Lacing clung to the glass in a circular pattern.

S - Fruity to the nose with strong notes of chocolate covered cherry and raisins and a good amount of alcohol.

T - Sweet and slightly bready. Complex, with a good amount for fruit and chocolate. Finishes slightly dry with a nice, but not over powering alcohol kick.

MF&D - Creamy and full bodied. The high alcohol content makes this one a definite sipper. This is a special ale, I highly recommend this one , if you can find it.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2008 05:39:10 | More by nasty15108

Anthony1

Colorado

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Bottle poured into two glasses. A snifter and a tulip.

Both glasses looked lovely, although the snifter brought out a slightly stronger aroma. Pours a beautiful cherry oak hue. The head was light and fluffy, showing a tint of red, that stuck around. The beer maintained a great level of lacing throughout the drink.

The aroma was herbal with some smells of spice and dark fruit. It tasted of dark fruits which was a great mix. I did not taste or smell an cheery, which the label said was added. The medium body maintained its mild level of carbonation and flowed very smoothly.

This beer was delicious. I would without a doubt purchase this beer again

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2009 17:58:42 | More by Anthony1

dacrza1

New Jersey

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A soft brown body pours out into a Chimay goblet; off-white, gently settling head--storng head that holds sway...fragrant, ester-laden bouquet strikes immediately--the lambic quality plays nicely in the crisp Hallertauer hops--malts are balanced well enough to hint at something amber...light, soft flitter on the lips and teeth; smooth enough to sneak through to the throat without much fanfare...definite acidic grape presence...hops keep the taste tartthe 9.8 % alcohol is present, yet overall accomplishes a mellow, malty finish; almost no aftertaste--this beer excels in its self-control... a wonderful Easter ends with this Quadrupel, amd a great end at that--with the bold passion of a merlot, Three Philosophers displays body and taste sophisticated enough... the Ommegang guys miss little, and this beer could keep me philosophical with a rather clear buzz as the bottle drains...

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2009 02:58:57 | More by dacrza1

SpasticKoala

New York

4.83/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Appearance: Deep and dark with an orange trim. The head is beautifully thick, light caramel color, that's frothy and sticky.

Smell: Surprisingly I did not get as much cherry on the nose as I expected. There's a spicy and herbal notes to it. I'm getting some other dark fruits in the background such as raisin, figs, and plum.

Taste: This is by far one of my favorite Quadrupels. There's deep complexity here that makes the beer rather difficult to figure out (and I don't think I have entirely). I'm getting heavily toasted malt, plum, figs, sour cherries, clove, rum, dark chocolate.

Mouthfeel: It is well balanced on the malt thickness and stickyness with enough carbonation to keep the beer lively.

Overall I definitely love this beer. It's delicious and I'll recommend it to anyone.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2012 23:22:30 | More by SpasticKoala

Mrduprey215

Pennsylvania

4.84/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I was recommended this a while back and it ended up being my first entry to trying microbrews. Amazing smell and first taste note as with other beers of this type gotta let it temp up a bit.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2013 22:03:46 | More by Mrduprey215

SetarconeX

Florida

4.85/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I tried as best I could not to have the Plato quote on the side of the bottle influence my rating...but the quality of this beer more than makes up for it. This is a truly inspiring brew. Let's go item by item...

Appearance: Very dark, but holding the glass to the light reveals that it is, in fact, one of the deepest reds I've ever seen in a beer. It also produces a huge head, almost perfectly formed. This one looks just perfect.

Smell: Begians usually have just a tad too harsh a scent for my tastes, and this one isn't too different, however there is an undercurrent that makes this much more complicated than just another Belgian. The Cherry Lambic comes through strongly, as does a distinct maltiness, and perhaps a half-dozen other things that I just can't identify. Nice and complex.

Taste: Absolutely lives up to the smell. This is no standard Belgian, but a blend off fruit and spices so complicated that I could spend the whole night naming what I think is in it, and probably not get anywhere near the true recipie. For philosophers? Hell yes, who else could take a guess at the ingredients? Sweet, malty, cherry, acidic, some kind of yeast unlike anything I've tasted before, this one's got everything.

Mouthfeel: This is usually where I knock Belgians a few points, but this one goes down nice and smooth. There's a thickness and heaviness I'm not used to in the style, but which pleasently surprises me.

Derinkability: Perhaps the most drinkable Belgian Ale I've ever had. A tad expensive, as the entire style seems to be sometimes, but if I had an everlasting supply of this, I think I'd be a happy man.

This one needs to be tried. Get one at the earliest opportunity.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2004 03:51:23 | More by SetarconeX

frazbri

Ohio

4.85/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Three Philosophers from Ommegang poured a deep ruby/mahogany in body topped by a very tall cream colored head. Aromas of chocolate, cherries, and vanilla emerged. Flavors of cocoa, cherries and vanilla were also joined by dark rum and a moderately bitter finish. There was just a hint of tartness from the lambic, but it was just a hint. It had medium body and carbonation. A very slight alcohol warmth came in the finish.

I enjoyed this very much. Brewery Ommegang delivers high quality at reasonable prices. They might be the biggest bargain in craft beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2005 04:14:16 | More by frazbri

sirdrinkwell

Florida

4.85/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This is the one that started it all for me...i went into the store looking for something else, but was intrigued enough to purchase this upon not finding what i initially went to get. i have recently taken a break from the Three Philosophers, but now that I have a new bottle in the house I will take this opportunity to post my thoughts on the subject...

Appearance: served from a corked and caged bottle, Three Philosophers pours an attractive dark autumn copper with a fair amount of light tine head, slowly fading to a slight ring and nice lacing.

Smell: The cherries are evident up front, along with a slight almost wine-like cabernet scent on the back end.

Taste: Rich and sweet, the cherries are evident on the tongue but they far from overpower the taste, which is balanced by a medium flavored and relatively subtle announcement of alcohol (given the 9.8% content, i would have figured a more pronounced alcohol taste)

Mouthfeel: this is a very pleasant, subtle brew; sweet and smooth on the palate.

Drinkability: This is a wonderful drink, perfect in its 25oz. serving size; this is a great sipper for a relaxing weekend afternoon or dinner/after-dinner compliment.

As previously mentioned, this is the drink that piqued my interest in the style in particular and the craft in general. This brew from Ommegand has my highest praise.

Serving type: bottle

06-28-2009 20:08:48 | More by sirdrinkwell

Cakanator

Massachusetts

4.85/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Ommefest on tap. I've ever only had this on tap but can't wait to open my 07 at home. Pours dark with a malty cheery chocolate nose and follows straight up on the pallet. Very complex and a great desert beer with dark chocolates. It's one of those beers I can't wait to see in 5 years. So damn great, my favorite ommegang.

Serving type: on-tap

11-23-2009 04:51:24 | More by Cakanator

GLM0011

Alabama

4.85/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

This is currently my favorite beer. I wish I had this on tap at home.Kind of pricey. I love this beer. Cherry beginning with an abbey ale finish. Complex.Color,smell,taste,overall a wonderful beer made in the U.S. This is better than the Chimays,sorry guys.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2010 23:19:15 | More by GLM0011

dcx10music

New York

4.85/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5

A - Opaque dark brown with hints of dark red when held up to the light. Minimal to no head.

S - A slight hint of booze, but that is quickly overtaken by a lovely aroma of dark chocolate and cherries.

T - Basically the same as the smell. The heat of the alcohol gives way to dark chocolate and cherry flavors, but lingers nicely. Absolutely fantastic.

M - Not horrible, but a little bit thin for my taste. For this kind of drink I'd rather have something that errs on the side of too thick than too thin.

D - Even at a high alcohol content, I would have no problem downing a whole bottle of this.

Notes - I'm not normally the biggest fan of Belgian ales, but I have yet to try an Ommegang brew that I don't like. This one is no exception.

Serving type: bottle

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2010 15:50:49 | More by dcx10music

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