Brewery Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence Stout
One thing I love about beer is the great variety that is born from the interplay between style, source and quality. Comparing similar beers from different countries and traditions never gets dull, as each one has its own charm. And when you factor in limited edition runs of brews, each bottle becomes even more precious. I’ve focused most of my energy on these shooting stars of the beer world, reviewing such rarities like the Chateau Jiahu and the palate crushing Stone 10th anniversary IPA.
Now I am reviewing another 10th anniversary beer, that being Brewery Ommegang’s Chocolate Indulgence Stout. Obtained as part of a gift bundle, this bottle stands out looking even classier than the famous Three Philosophers. After popping the cork I poured some into the glass that came with the set and found it to be extremely dark and impossible to see through; topped with a generous head of light brown bubbles. Its aroma contains the expected hint of chocolate and smoky malt coupled with a light touch of spice.
I make it a habit of ignoring recommended serving temperatures, instead trying to get a feel for how it tastes when chilled and serving myself more once it’s warmed up to a suitable room temperature. My first taste was surprisingly refreshing, lacking all the phenols and bitter notes I was expecting. Instead it tasted of chocolate first, un-acidic coffee and malt next. No odd or hard to place flavors to be found anywhere. Tasting it again when it had warmed up a little, the chocolate was far more noticeable and a nice sweetness had set in but no errant aromatics were present except for traces of raisin and burnt sugar. I really love this beer; it does what you expect it to in a highly refined and delicate way without any of the usual surprises produced by fermenting in the Belgian style. Lacking a distinct fruit character, I could recommend it with just about any meal or dessert, but on it’s own it is not cloying at all. Here’s to another 10 years of great beer from brewery Ommegang!