Rare Vos (Amber Ale) - Brewery Ommegang

chrisrhoppe

Puerto Rico

4.22/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours with a thick rocky billowy head. Smells of sweet fruit, peppery alcohol and cloves. The taste is just as complex as the smell. Prickly carbonation delivers medicinal clove flavors with sweet fruits finishing it off. Suggestions of peach, flowers, and smoke in the finish. Multi layered mouth feel, starts light and heavily carbonated and ends sticky and malty.

I’m a big fan.

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2011 02:12:38 | More by chrisrhoppe

surfnebr

Nebraska

4.05/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

An opaque golden amber color as it poured with a thick, large white foamy head, the lacing was rather nice. The nose reminded me of a holiday fruit cake. Bready with some hints of nuts and fruit.. Apple, bananna and some sweeter spices.

It is a smooth, sweet and spicy sip that offers a slight warming feeling as it goes down. That may have been more due to the serving temp. The nose advertised the taste well. The bread came through more in the finish. IT was a full, thick mouthfeel. I served this after it had been out of the cooler for about an hour, I felt this opened up the beer's flavor rather than serving it straight from the cooler.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2008 02:35:31 | More by surfnebr

RashyGrillCook

California

3.85/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A "true belgian style amber ale" from Cooperstown, NY. Apparently, rare vos is Flemish for sly fox. Sports a distinct, foggy orange honey color that looks as refreshing as it sounds and retains a "rocky" head quite well. Smell is typical of quality amber ales with sweet, but mellow, notes of cloves, bread and citrus. Taste is similar to smell, accentuated by a sharp (almost overbearing) shot of carbonation. There is a lingering bitterness as well as some buried caramel accents. This does get a little sweeter as it gets warmer and overall a very decent brew.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2011 23:01:22 | More by RashyGrillCook

GotWad629

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a light amber color with a thick white head of foam that lingers for awhile.

Smells of candy, yeast, spice, and I pick up a slight hint of bubble gum.

Tastes of bubble gum and spice with some slight bitterness to balance it all out.

This beer is heavily carbonated, which helps to explain the large head. The bubbles really come alive in your mouth.

This beer is crisp and refreshing. It would be great to have lounging outside on a spring day. I could easily put away 3 or 4 of these in one sitting.

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2012 22:40:43 | More by GotWad629

JBuff41413

Colorado

4.28/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This was my first Belgian-Style Ale ever. I was very excited to try this beer and also the Three Philosophers I have cooling in the fridge.

A- Very light honey-brown color with mass amounts of cloudy white head. Lacing was minimal, and the head dissipated to a nice 1/2 inch.

S- Spicy, herbaceous, with sweet malts and clove.

T- Nice smooth beer, very earthy as the smell foretells with dried plums and apricots as well as LOTS of clove and a very pleasant spiciness.

M- Light bodied with lots of carbonation, VERY smooth

D- Decent drinkability, I could have shared the 25oz with a friend but also didn't struggle finishing it all.

Very good beer over all. Would definitely recommend and I can't wait to try more Belgian brews.

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2008 05:42:50 | More by JBuff41413

Geuzedad

Arizona

4.45/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured this into a tulip. Poured a hazy dark amber with a thick creamy 2 finger head and plenty of lacing that really stuck to the glass.

Smell was that of yeast,fruit,spice and hops.

Taste was really there. Notes of spice and fruit really start it off followed by yeast and a spicy hop finish.

Mouthfeel was medium with moderate carbonation which left a zing at the finish.

This is one of the best Belgian styles from an American brewery I have ever tasted. Ommegang is spot on with this one. This is going to be a regular in my cellar. I cant wait till it warms up as this will be a great summer session beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2011 15:02:54 | More by Geuzedad

drawbackwards

New York

4.8/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

All I can say is "Wow"...I have heard all the hype about this beer and the stellar reviews it gets so I had to try it. I have had Abbey Ale from Ommegang and love it, so I had to try this one. First thing I notice is the pour...It gives an amazing head. You must be careful or a huge head will takeover your glass. The words "slow but vigorous" appear on the bottle. I would aim more for slow and less for vigorous.

The smell is fantastic, mouthfeel is great. Super smooth. This beer is so ridiculously smooth and flavorful that it really is a glorious representation of the style. If you like Hopback (Troegs), you will love this. It doesn't have the hoppiness of the Troegs, but has so much character anyway. You need this...seriously.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2009 02:09:19 | More by drawbackwards

Altrurian

New York

3.89/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Golden-hued, with an orange cast. The frothy head fades fairly quickly. The nose, concentrated in a 12-oz. tulip, is of toffee, citrus, and pepper, satisfyingly affirmed by the taste. The beer is refreshingly prickly on the palate. This sophisticated blend of flavors, combined with a relatively modest ABV, makes for a noteworthy thirst-quencher, and an able accompaniment to a piquant meal.

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2013 20:12:39 | More by Altrurian

djsmith1174

Minnesota

3.63/5  rDev -10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Nice orange with a pretty abundant but quickly dissipating white head.

S: Light fruit, spices, yeast.

T: Slightly sweet malt and spices with a dry finish.

M: Fairly light body with decent carbonation.

O: A good amber. Not overly complex but definitely worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

05-24-2011 05:30:51 | More by djsmith1174

Troy518

New York

3.4/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a tulip glass.

Perhaps it was the Ommegang Hennepin that I drank before hand, or perhaps the fact that I am brewing a porter while writing this but this beer seems to lack the same punch that other Ommegang's offerings deliver. For a belgian dark ale, this beer tastes very thin and almost watery. The flavor is ok, however, there are other belgian dark ales that I would prefer over this one. I don't pick up as much spiciness as I thought I would or even as I remember from drinking this in the past. The fruitiness is very subtle in my opinion.

($2.70, 12oz, Oliver's Bev., Albany, NY)

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2008 21:33:13 | More by Troy518

CrazyP

Connecticut

3.93/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Poured from a bottle. Deep orange color with a huge head that slowly dissipates, lots of tiny bubbles. I had to pour half and let the head settle before pouring the remainder.

S - Yeasty, fruity aromas dominate -- banana, cloves. Definitely Belgian. I detect some diacetyl.

T - Fruity with some spiciness. Apple, banana The spices are hard to pinpoint but I think I pick up on some nutmeg.

M - Dry and thin. Leaves a slightly slick feeling in the back palate.

O - A nice beer, but probably not something I would buy again. When I was finished I didn't find myself wanting more.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2012 14:43:47 | More by CrazyP

sutcliff

Missouri

3.8/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Great bottle for a great beer. Needless to say, I pointed the top away from my face, windows, or my wife upon opening. The head was very full and tight. The lacing was consistent throughout the drink. The nose was rich with plum, citrus, and some alcohol. The beer danced on my tongue as the malt blended well with the clove and citrus flavor. The color was a medium amber. However, the head was more impressive than the color in regards to appearance. The finish was clean. This was one good Belgian!

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2004 00:49:16 | More by sutcliff

gloriousglo2

Pennsylvania

4.72/5  rDev +16%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

....just had my first one. Freakin' awesome. Don't know how to put it any other way. Great amber color, nice body, pours with a great head, no aftertaste. Perfect amount of sweetness and balance. Got a 4 pack for about $9, not too bad, considering the overall quality of this beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2009 22:45:50 | More by gloriousglo2

EvilGnome6

Arizona

4.83/5  rDev +18.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from a bottle into a Duvel glass.

A: Pours a blood orange amber with a generous, fluffy off white head.

S: A sweet maltiness with a saison-like citrus note.

T: Sweet and fruity. Tangy orange peel with a touch of hop earthiness. Perfectly balanced.

M: Light on the palate with a nice, slowly fading aftertaste. Incredibly refreshing.

D: Just perfect. It's equally drinkable in small sips and generous gulps. You could easily drink this all evening.

This is a spectacular beer. It's simple and drinkable on the surface with oodles of complexity below the surface.

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2010 01:01:43 | More by EvilGnome6

kevin62

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This Belgian ale poured out a dark golden amber with a good size hrad.The aromas were of hops,malt and citrus,also in the taste.The beer also was yeatsy and rich and all in all a pretty good offering from Ommegang,although I do not believe it's there best.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2006 13:29:35 | More by kevin62

ODBRIP

Massachusetts

4.28/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

as advertised, it is mellow....as in the taste isn't too strong. it's certainly a high quality pale ale. veeerrry smooth. very drinkable. the taste is unremakrable though....not bland...but not awesome. definately worth a try. woould probably go great with a meal, b/c the taste isn't overpowering.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2005 21:51:18 | More by ODBRIP

skineg

Florida

3.03/5  rDev -25.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Appearence: Cloudy amber color that looks very inviting. Good looking beer that has a sexy, but not too sexy look. Solid head (1/2 inch) but that fades fast.

Smell: Can smell the alcohol and smells surprisingly like an IPA. Can definalty pick up a perfume and floral fragrance from the hops.

Taste: Reminds me of a weak IPA. I realize that this is a Belgium Amber, but, while balanced, the taste has took much of a pure hop and alcohol taste for me.

Mouthfeel: Fairly smooth, fizzy.

Drinkability: It's the stlye for sure, but it's not that drinkable to me.

Comment: This is my first Belgium Style Amber and maybe it just took me by surprise, but I wasn't impressed. Maybe it's just a style that I need to get more accustomed too.

Serving type: bottle

08-20-2007 02:30:19 | More by skineg

PanicUnited

Georgia

4.05/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I found this one at Taco Mac, and it was one of their "Beer of the Month" selections. So I got both the beer and the glass to accompany it.

Anyways, I found this particular beer to be quite intriguing. It was well balanced and smooth, but had a particular "kick" that I could not put my finger on. It was not, in any way, like the kick of an IPA or that of a Russian Stout. Rather, it was a smooth awakening "kick" that wen't well with my dinner.

Expect a good balance between smooth sweet taste and an underlying hint of something surprising.

Serving type: bottle

06-30-2010 20:46:25 | More by PanicUnited

Gregorious

California

4.03/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750cl into chalice...

A - Deep red amber with 2 fingers of a copper laced head.

S - Not too aromatic...mostly smell alcohol and a little bit of peach or plum.

T - Bitter hops followed by a crisp alcohol leading taste of cloves, black pepper, and citrus.

M - Action packed carbonation...not overwhelming

D - Goes down smooth and satisfying....someone should refill my chalice.

Serving type: bottle

07-10-2006 23:28:03 | More by Gregorious

barondebourgogne

Maryland

3.33/5  rDev -18.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Medium orange color with an active, coarse head.

Funky, fun Belgian yeastiness dominates the aroma. Hints of piney hops, white grapes, dried apricots and green apples. Very complex!

Metallic tastes initiate the palate. Softens to fruity complexities. Dried orange peel and light caramely malts. Not as complex on the palate as it was on the nose.

Highly carbonated mouthfeel. Almost champagne- like. Finishes dry.

A respectable Belgian Amber. I think I will stick with the Ommegang Abbey Ale if given the choice.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2007 20:05:40 | More by barondebourgogne

Eeroomnhoj

Virginia

4.39/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Came home from the local wine store and had three bottles of beer. This was recommended as being a great beer and I am enjoying it. Seems a bit fizzy (or is it yeasty?). Enjoyable nonetheless. With that being said I am not sure I would want to drink several of these, might be wrong though. This is definitely a beer worth having again.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2013 01:08:51 | More by Eeroomnhoj

PCmofo

New York

4.28/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

I tried the Rare Vos after trying 2 other Ommegang beers and I am impressed with each one I try. So much so that I plan to visit their brewery this summer. The amber ale is right between a hearty full bodied amber ale and your typical amber ale. This enhances it's drinkability as well as it's flavor as it is not your typical amber ale. I bought it in the 750ml bottle but it is also available in a 4 pack.

I am currently brewing an amber ale and can only hope that my beer turns out close to this. I really love the color of the beer. Its a light amber with just a bit of cloudiness. The foam on any of these beers in the 750ml bottle can get a bit much if you dont pour it slow. overall a great beer that I will be buying again.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2007 02:47:47 | More by PCmofo

PapaGemutlich

Maryland

4.05/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Chilled 750ml bottle poured into a pint glass. Gorgeous red and a robust, cream/light-tan head makes a picture perfect serving.

Sharp top-note hops balance out pronounced phenols. If I were brewing this I might go for a slightly more solid body, although I found myself warming to this brew as I worked through the big bottle.

Overall a pleasant version of the style.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2010 22:02:51 | More by PapaGemutlich

xabyss

Ohio

3.83/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A: Pours a beautiful honey orange with two fingers' worth of quickly-dissipating head. Opaque body that, upon close examination, is teeming with carbonation. Not much in the way of lacing sticking to the glass.

S: Very fruity, very spicy, very Belgian. Lots of yeast in the aroma, as well as some caramel and sweet malt notes. Slightly peppery. Almost getting a hint of honey. Pretty interesting, but doesn't blow me away the way I want it to.

T: Again, quite spicy and fruity - like a semi-bitter apple flavor. Again, big yeast. It's weird - the same notes, more or less, as the nose, but I can't quite say the taste was expected. Light floral hops, especially in the finish, along with a touch of the ABV heat, though not much.

M: Medium bodied with a high amount of carbonation. Goes down easy enough. Feels a bit overcarbonated, but spot on for the style I suppose.

O: A solid example of the style.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2012 00:15:26 | More by xabyss

mochunk

Illinois

4.08/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

This is the second offering from Ommegang I've had... This is considered a Belgian Pale Ale, or as the bottle describes, a Belgian Amber Ale, the latter being a little more accurate I should say.

Pours from a corked 750ml bottle into a Duvel tulip... Careful proper pour lends to a half glass or so of fine dirty copper colored brew with a creme colored gravely head about 1.5-2 inches thick. Dissapating quick enough to the eye, but not fast... Settles to a nice thin head that never dissapears, sparse spotty lacing that stays in place after a few minutes.

Smells of fruits of some kind, a bit of hops, but also a bit of malts, mostly fruits...

Taste of course echoes the nose but the fruits are a bit more apparent, even through the finish. The hops and malts are just about right, the former just barely masking the other. Not balanced but probably better for it. It's pretty dry with a medium carbonated mouthfeel and goes down smooth as glass and finishes dry with just the right amount of belgian aftertaste, only a bit hoppier than usual, but just barely. But pleasantly so.

Second pour I mix it up fully and dump the entire contents in, yeast and all. This seems to further balance it and bring a bit more complexity to it, but still nothing to shake a stick at. But I think that's where it really wins me over here. It's not overly complex. It's completely unoffensive anywhere, which means a great brew that is simply enjoyed, not over-bearing.

For the price, an amazing value, as was the Hennepin I've tasted previously. I'll definitely revisit this one. A good choice for someone wanting to break into Belgians.

This is my first ever public review, I felt compelled on this one, so that must mean something.

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2006 05:42:42 | More by mochunk