Three Philosophers Belgian Style Blend (Quadrupel) - Brewery Ommegang

mhillard

California

4.28/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served from a 750ml bottle into a tulip glass. Had a deep rich color with a lasting tan head. A nearly overwhelming variety of scents greets the nose, with a malty sweetness above all others. Has wine-like aromas at times. It is extremely smooth going down, no bitterness or bite to speak of and the alcoholic nature of this beer is masked by its complicated taste. I wasn't able to find many cherry lambic flavors in the blend, the quadrupel flavor seemed to overpower most of it, but occasionally I found a hint of oak or cherry in the background. Overall it is a beer that I would highly recommend, easily my favorite of the style. This will surely be on my shopping list from now on.

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2005 01:46:43 | More by mhillard

TenSpoons

Wisconsin

3.58/5  rDev -13.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A – A dark brown with ruby. Nice thick head.

S – Cherry, Malty, slight alcohol.

T – much like the aroma, but more alcohol.

M – Moderate mouthfeel, with fairly high carbonation, but not biting.

D – A nice sipping beer. I really enjoyed this beer, but drinking it won’t be a regular thing.

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2007 17:26:12 | More by TenSpoons

dpuia

Pennsylvania

4.4/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Drank from a Ommegang anniversary glass, out of a home keg. Has a dark amber color, with little head. Smell is over the top very rich with fruity overtones. Taste is a full flavor and can clearly tell is of a higher ABV, but yet still suttle.

I would reccommend this beer over and over again.

Serving type: on-tap

02-17-2009 04:21:20 | More by dpuia

minishfinish

Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This beer has a fantastic malty bouquet with hints of cherry. It's a great bouquet,, and I would suggest the pouring instruction on the bottle be followed. The bottle I had didn't have an exception amount of yeast settlement by any means. Flavor very much malt driven with cherry undertones and strong yeast flavors. Well balanced with great structure. It's a malt bomb, with an almost buttery mouth feel. I love this beer. I must admit that this is my first Quadruple, and my my first from Ommegang. I am impressed though, and it was worth the four dollars I payed for it. I recommend it.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2010 02:39:42 | More by minishfinish

PCBrewski

Colorado

4.13/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pour: Highly carbonated. Poured from a corked Bomber, marked 2009, so its at least a year old but from my understanding Ommegang is all warm fermented bottle conditioned, so I wasnt worried about spoilage. The head was a tan color and very thick reducing slowly to a nicely sustained lace. Beer color is dark dark red and pretty speckled when held up to light due to all the carbonation.

Smell: Malty Cherry smell, with a very noticeable alcohol smell, almost wine like.

Taste: Malt with slight fruitiness, not too much and a deep dark cherry that lingers. You can certainly taste the alcohol at the finish as well as a lingering cherry.

Drnkability: This is definitly a sipping beer, because it will sneak up on you. But tasty and very enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2010 02:15:24 | More by PCBrewski

Enigmaticgesture

Oregon

4.63/5  rDev +11.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Smell: Like walking into a brisk spring garden at dusk.

Appearance: A beautiful amber tone that filled my favorite stone drinking glass with a healthy head. Compliments the smell of the beer, if I dare say.

Taste: Exceptional. Smooth and strong with a hint of sweetness and fruit. Hits in two waves: a slight alcoholic assault followed by a blissful fruit overtone.

Overall Impression: One of the best tasting and most delightful beers that I have ever sampled. Best enjoyed in relatively small quantities with tasty food that compliments its refined and delicious taste.

A true personal favorite!

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2010 01:54:41 | More by Enigmaticgesture

chuck19

Maine

4.4/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The pour was excellent. They tell you how to pour right on the bottle. That helps! But besides that the pour does look good.

The smell is a hint of cherries but besides that I don't pick up much. That is while I give it a smaller rating.

The taste is great. First the aftertaste, I think it taste like a barely wine at least that is the flavors I taste. It has a slightly fruity, with a wheat-y taste.

Mouthfeel is fine. It was full and did not seem overpowering.

Overall it is a great beer. I could see myself buying this beer in a store. It was very pleasant and satisfying

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2011 00:11:03 | More by chuck19

Mohican88

Delaware

4.55/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2009 Vintage, 12oz bottle poured into oversize snifter.

A: 1 finger of cream colored head clings to glass and leaves spotty lacing. The beer itself is a deep ruby color with caramel highlights around the edges.

S: This is one of the most fragrant beers I can remember. It smells slightly vinous with overripe stone fruits, and a distinct smell of caramelized brown sugar. Just a hint of alcohol comes through at the tail end of each whiff.

T: Quite sweet, reminiscent of brown sugar, definitely not cloying. Lots of flavors of plum and cherry throughout, a hint of tartness possibly from the cherry. Slightest hint of pleasant warming alcohol comes through and the finish is earthy, woody and lingers very pleasantly. Finishes much drier than I thought it would.

M: Low carbonation, full-bodied coats the mouth but is washed away quickly by the drying finish

O: Really a fantastic beer that age has been very kind to. This beer could definitely go much longer in the cellar. Very rich and great on a cold fall or winter evening.

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2012 17:53:04 | More by Mohican88

JohnG190

New York

4.66/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served in snifter at 50 degrees.

Appearance - hazy chestnut brown with two finger tan head that dissipates quickly. Nice lacing.

Aroma - cherries, caramel and sweet malt waft from the snifter.

Taste - hint of funk. Cherries, malt, and toffee finish off sweet.

Mouthfeel - smooth, medium body with lively carbonation.

Overall - well crafted ale that makes a perfect after dinner digestive.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2013 23:07:00 | More by JohnG190

willytime

Pennsylvania

2.5/5  rDev -39.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Pours a deep brown with reddish hints. Nice foam initially to get a whiff of the aroma, but it fades quickly. Lace hangs around.

What a whiff! Whoa...cherry and alcohol. Almost medicinal, but not entirely bad. Almost a candy like smell. Overall a nose full.

As for the taste, I'm not a big "fruit" beer fan, but I thought I would give this one a shot by the good ratings.. The cherry flavor is not overwhelming, but it lingers on the back of your toungue. The alcohol is present throughout the taste and also hangs around a long time. Because of this, I feel the drinkability is quite low.

This is my first Ommegang and I'm going to have to try some others to really know why people rave about the brewery. While I trust they make good beers, Three Philosophers is not one I will pick up again.

Serving type: bottle

02-22-2005 02:27:53 | More by willytime

nkwarrior

Tennessee

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I have been reluctant to try "Belgian Style" brews, mostly sticking to the true Belgian Breweries. This one was very good, smooth. Do not taste the alcohol, the hint of cherries is very subtle. Appearance is wonderful clear, coppery. Will have again.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2008 03:22:01 | More by nkwarrior

bigchiefbc

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a chalice from a 25.4 ounce corked bottle, purchased from Liquor World in Milford, MA. Deep chestnut brown, not-too-thick head, no lacing but good retension.

Aroma is spicy and slightly sweet. Initial taste is immediate cherry, followed by good malt and spice, either nutmeg or cinnamon. You can definitely taste the alcohol, but it is not intrusive. Fantastically satisfying taste, but you're not going to have more than one or two glasses.

One of my favorite Belgians

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2008 03:33:52 | More by bigchiefbc

alabamagolf

Alabama

3.98/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

In absence of a tulip glass, I poured this one into a standard pint glass.

A: Mahogany, brownish / red, with a half inch of head. Slight lacing.

S: Cherry, spice, and dark fruits.

T: Rich malty ale. Flavor of dark chocolate and cherry. Higher alcohol with a sweet, hot presence in the taste which is more present on the back end.

M: Heavy sweetness and malt presence.

D: Better when you sip this one slowly.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2009 21:26:01 | More by alabamagolf

mudshark698

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I am drinking this from a 12oz bottle into my favorite chalice.

The color is a nice dark amber, a little cloudy, can't see through.

Has a nice malty and sour cherry nose.

Taste is a little sweet at first on my tongue, but then turns sour after it has been in my mouth for a few seconds. Nice tart, sour cherry flavor throughout. I get a nice warmth in my belly a few minutes after swallowing. As it warms the hops start to come through as well.

It is not the strongest quad that I have ever had, but the kreik lambic brings it home nicely.

I really enjoy this beer. It is a nice change from the Russian Imperial Stouts that I normally drink.

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2009 00:09:52 | More by mudshark698

samiam32

Michigan

4.3/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Good Glory this was great.

The color was dark, but when put to the light, revealed itself as a dark rich red similar to a perfect Michigan cherry or Red Delicious apple.

The foam begins as a crown, but quickly recedes into the darkness that is the Three Philosophers.

The smell gave a strong, but not overwhelming presence of alcohol. The fruity cherry scent begins to foreshadow itself during this stage of the experience.

When it encircles your taste buds, the dark fruit flavor begin to awaken you to a very familiar taste as a Michigander... Cherries. Although I'm not a huge fan of the fruit, this flavor is very welcoming to my palate.

The feel in the mouth is velvet. The sharp sting of alcohol is absent as the warming Belgium Quadrupel warms and pleasantly tickles your now smiling lips.

I recommend this to someone who would like to introduce someone to fine beer. It is not overwhelming, but still rich in flavor and feel. Enjoy with friends to get the most out of it!

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2010 05:43:30 | More by samiam32

Harmzy00

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Three Philosophers, Belgian Style Blend, 2011 at The Office in Summit, NJ. A business trip has just gotten sweeter with the hint of cherry in this Cooperstown, NY brew. I would definitely recommend this beer for a lazy summer night. It is NOT on the light side with an excellent balance of strong flavors. This brew has a rather sweet finish reminiscent of summer nights. Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2011 22:55:34 | More by Harmzy00

AlesaandLandon

4.13/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I decided to drink this brew again before rating it and I was not disappointed. While it was not as "hoppy" as I remembered, this is a great beer to share with friends new to the brand. Popping the cork, you could smell the sweetness of the cherries that makes your mouth water. Pouring it in the glass, it was very smooth, thick, and showed minimal carbonation. The head was a beautiful pale with just a slight rust coloring that makes you just want to 'taste this beer!"

I was a little shocked though by the sudden sweetness and it's consistently throughout. If you are looking for a true taste of hops, you might have to wait a while. Even chilled the Three Philosophers was thicker than I remembered but it is a brew to be savored, not slammed. All in all a really good brew.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2012 02:48:45 | More by AlesaandLandon

thebreadguy

Massachusetts

3.93/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

My first review - and I'm feeling the pressure!

I've been enjoying Brewery Ommegang's Abbey Ale for a while, and was looking forward to trying this one. I was certainly not disappointed. The beer poured a beautiful medium brown color with red highlights. The aroma was a bit more subdued than I would hope for, with some nice malt aromas and a hint of cherry way down deep. It did open up over time, though. The flavor was very pleasant and nicely balanced, but rather hard to get a handle on. Definite caramel notes, and cherry of course with a moderate but enjoyable alcohol presence. I drank a 750 ml bottle through a roast pork dinner (an excellent pairing) and the cherry flavors changed with each course - modest when alone as an aperitif... more obvious with the main course and then absolutely popping with the chocolate cake dessert. The mouthfeel was as it should be - chewy and rich, but not overly so.

All in alll, a very drinkable brew. I don't think I'd undertake more than 1 of the larger bottles at time. I'm looking forward to picking up a 4 pack of the 12 oz. bottles so I could include a smaller portion in an evening of multiple delights.

Serving type: bottle

06-04-2007 03:24:36 | More by thebreadguy

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

Shikitohno

Maine

3.75/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This ale from Ommegang strikes me as there more subdued offering, although that isn't a bad thing. Poured from a 750ml bottle into a glass, it produces a thick head. Very dark red in colour, almost opaque when held up to a light. It states on the label that it's a blend of a traditional ale and cherry ale (I believe it's 96%:4%), and this shows.

The cherry scent lingers there, along with a smell somewhat akin to fragrant wood. Unlike the other Ommegang ales I've had, this one has a suitably simple taste, not as complex as the Abbey Ale or Rare Vos. Initially, it tastes like a normal ale, but after swallowing the cherry flavour comes out in full force. One thing my friends and I agree on (although I'm not sure Ommegang would want people going around saying this) is that this and the Abbey Ale have the most delicious beer burps. What I mean is, it doesn't taste absolutely vile as many brews do (Guinness comes to mind), but sort of tastes like the beer.

This ale doesn't strike as being as heavy as the others produced by Ommegang, but it does have a kick. Unfortunately, it's between $8-$9/bottle around here, so I reserve this one for occaisional purchases. Still, a fairly good ale.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2009 08:59:54 | More by Shikitohno

joev

Massachusetts

4.55/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This is a 2009 750ml bottle I got at a very reasonable price at my local liquor store as part of an Ommegang gift pack. Paired with a nice rare filet.

A: A deep, deep red/brown color; very clear, pouring with a good amount of head that quickly dies off. Nice lacing on the glass.

S: Rich and sweet, it reminds me of a tawny port. Raisin and prune notes.

T: A nice deep sweet taste, again, reminiscent of raisin and prune. The bottle mentions cherry/kriek, but I really can't notice it. A lot of "heat" from the alcohol is a little distracting, but such is the style of a quad. A nice touch of sour and bitterness.

M: Velvety smooth.

D: Take your time with this one, or share with a friend. The alcohol content forces you to take your time. This is a good thing.

Another hit from Ommegang.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2009 02:29:13 | More by joev

duffmanrob

California

4.63/5  rDev +11.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

got an ommegang holiday set for christmas with three beers and a glass.

poured a dark brown with a tint of red.

Very nice head. tan in color and about an inch in size. There was a hint of a cherry smell. smelled a little like a wine or champagne.
had a very dry mouth feel.

The carbonation was very nice, not too much.

very drinkable beer. it was almost 10% so one was pretty good. My first ommegang, and very impressive.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2009 00:17:16 | More by duffmanrob

chrishart74

Louisiana

4.35/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2009 vintage

A. Very little head that dissipates quickly leaving a thin tan foam. Deep amber/Ruby color

S. Ripe cherries with a hint of molasses and chocalate.

T. There is definitely the chocolate cherry flavor but not cloying. Great malt backbone. As it warms, alcohol is more present but very well balanced.

M. Excellent. Carbonation is low which works well with the flavor and ABV.

D. Goes down easy.

Overall, this is a fantastic brew and would pair very well with pork loin!

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2009 17:18:50 | More by chrishart74

RiverheadBev

New York

4.45/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a gorgeous dark amber/red with a very light tan head that hangs out for a while. Smells of cherries up front followed by malts and alcohol. This is a truly well-balanced beer. The alcohol is there (and it packs a punch), but the drink managed to stay smooth and not too sweet. The cherry lambic does add a bit to the sweetness, but when later revisited discovered the tartness it brings to the table. This beer will warm you up. This is easily one of my favorites, though it's out of my comfort zone of dark brews, I'll be coming back to this one until its pulled off of the market.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2010 16:39:13 | More by RiverheadBev

TXTider

Texas

3.75/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Serving in a snifter gave a half finger head which rapidy dissipates. It was tobacco colored with some deep reds showing in the light.

S - Sweet, molasses, dark fruit maybe plums or cherry

T - malt, dark fruit, light alcohol, molasses

M - moderate carbonation with a full but well balanced character

O - This beer really grew on me as I got through it. I'll definitely be drinking this again with some holiday meals.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2011 11:19:05 | More by TXTider