Ommegang Hennepin
This is the second time I’ve had this beer, the first time was at a bar called The Office in Montclair NJ. That night I was not able to take any notes about the beer, but I wanted to try it again. A week or so ago I saw the beer in a liquor store so I bought it.
Before I get into the beer, I love corked beers and frankly there are not a lot of American Breweries that do, but Ommegang corks
Ommegang Hennepin
most of their big beers in the 750ml bottle. There is just something special about uncorking a highly pressured bottle; that big pop as you twist out the cork, I love it!
Pour:
As with most Saisons / Farmhouse ales they are highly carbonated resulting in a huge head. This beer was no different, so a nice gentle pour at a very generous angle will produce a superb head.
Appearance:
The beer had a milky white thick head, clear straw color with a torrent of bubbles. Great lacing from the huge head.
Aroma:
A strong combination of fruit, spice, and malt aroma. There are some very nice undertones of lemon and hops that add complexity to the aroma.
Taste:
This is a great example of a Saison, similar to Saison duPont. This beer had a nice mild lemon fruitiness with a long lasting spicy finish. For such a “thin” looking beer, I was pleased to taste such depth and flavor.
Drinkability:
This was a superb beer. At 7.7% abv it was a none factor, after the 750ml bottle I didn’t feel it or taste it. I really enjoyed this; I think it would have been even better on a hot day!
Tasting Method: 750ml Bottle
My Rating: 9.6
Got to visit Ommegang up in Cooperstown last March. They’re doing wonderful work up there. Big fan of the cavern-aged Three Philosophers brew. – John
Sounds great John. The 3 philosophers is one hell of a beer, I like it in moderation. There are so many great Breweries emerging in PA, Ommegang, Victory, Troegs…
Big fan of all Ommegang brews. Thanks for the great review on the Hennepin ale. Saison DuPont is also very good. Elkton, MD has a good liquor store with themed beer tastings about every month. They will have Belgian nights 2-3 times a year. I always loved the Ommegang line. Will be having it at the AC Beerfest Saturday, though not in the proper glass.