Ommegang Abbey Ale beerPoured into glass, this beer is opaque and has a dark orange color - if you remember your Crayola Crayon set, you’d know it as “burnt sienna”. It’s topped by a thick, foamy head that takes about 15 minutes to settle.

The label describes it as “a Belgian-style Abbey Ale — top fermented and bottle conditioned, yielding a rich, fruity, aromatic, burgundian brew.”

Nice wordage there, unfortunately I’ve never had a “burgundian brew” so therefore not sure if the tasting notes are appropriate. I have had Burgundian wines — white and red — and I can assure you that this wine tastes neither like Pinot Noir nor Chardonnay. Also interesting that a Belgian beer would taste “burgundian”. Anyway …

It does have a nice aroma - somewhat fruity and fragrant, with hints of wheat. The taste is much more interesting: rich mocha, malt, and a bit of earthy peat. It finishes somewhat sweet, with a molasses flavor accented by a tiny touch of dark honey and something fruity — though I can’t put my finger on what fruit. Texture is creamy.

Overall an enjoyable brew, with surprising sweetness considering its thick color and ample weight.

Brewed in Cooperstown, NY by Brewery Ommegang.