Ommegang Abbey Ale
Brewery Ommegang
Cooperstown, New York

Ommegang Abbey Ale is a Belgian style dubbel from New York, inspired by the brewings of Trappist monks.

Ommegang pours a brilliant reddish amber color, like liquid mahogany.  It holds a very solid tan head and laces well.   The aroma is very complex, full of spices, rich fruits and malt.

The taste is almost overwhelming.  Along with the malt and inverted sugar sweetness there is the taste of cherry, plum, clove and of course the strong presence of Belgian yeast.  For those who do not like Belgian yeast dominated beers this one may not be for you.  There is also an occasional taste of alcohol which should be no surprise as this is an 8.5% beverage.  A bottle of this elixir is a meal in itself.  Each time you drink it you'll notice something new, it's that complex.

Mouth feel is medium bodied with enough carbonation to easily last the entire 750ml (25.4oz) bottle.

This is a top notch American product but isn't quite at the level of Duvel or Chimay, some of the best of the Belgian ales.  It's also not priced like a foreign import.  At $6 for a 750ml (25.4oz) bottle it's a fantastic way to get into the big leagues of specialty beer.  This beer is  too rich for post lawnmowing and probably best enjoyed with a hearty meal.