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Quadruple Ale

98% Ale – 2% Ale with Cherries Added.

Unique Belgian-style blend of Ommegang Quadruple ale and Liefmans Kriek. Three Philosophers was made for contemplation.

And those whose hearts are fixed on reality itself deserve the title of Philosophers. (Plato, 380BC)

Every new philosophy starts with a question. This one began when we asked home-brewers for a grand vision of a perfect beer that we would then brew into a reality. One aspiring alchemist theorized an ale with rich caramel, chocolate and cherry notes.

So we pondered this. Brewing batch after batch. We got the vision 98% right, but the final 2%, the cherry notes, still eluded us. So we asked ourselves another question: "What if the answer lay within another beer?" By adding 2% Kriek, we finally unlocked the secret to a new beer that has since started many a grand rumination.

So slow down and refine your thoughts. Ask the right questions, and let your bar stool become a throne. Drink, and therefore you are.

Everything for a reason.

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A smaller goblet is appropriate for contemplation. The wide rim accentuates the complexities and mystery in the fruity aromas.

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Three Philosophers' deep nature makes it perfect with dessert. Or savor it as dessert itself.

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Brewmaster Phil's Tasting Notes

Three Philosophers is a unique blend of a Belgian-style dark ale and Liefmans Kriek, an authentic cherry ale from Belgium. Cherry chestnut in color, it's opaque but not cloudy with full carbonation topped by a smooth, tan head. Flavors and aromas of roasted malt, molasses and brown sugar, dark fruits, brandied raisins and chocolate, Three Philosophers has notable sweetness with low hop bitterness. The mid-palate shows a soft malt center which gives way to a dry, warm, wine-like finish.

The complexity of this beer make it a good candidate for ageing gracefully, as spicy sherry and port notes should intensify.

Chef's tasting notes & recipes

When simply pairing this it is important to keep in mind that you need a dish that is going to stand up to the big alcohol, rich malt, and subtle cherry. Think hearty; stews, fatty meats, gooey, stinky cheese, and you cannot go wrong. Try this beer as a marinade or in a sauce. In a marinade, the alcohol naturally breaks down the proteins in the meat, tenderizing it, while the flavor of the beer is absorbed. For a sauce, simply reduce over low flame with some additional sour cherries, wait till half is reduced, season with salt, pepper and sugar plus a touch of cream and you are ready to go.

Profile

  • Malts: Pils, amber, caramel, Munich, Xtra Special
  • Hops: Spalt Select and Styrian Golding
  • Spices: none
  • Blended with: 2% Liefmans Kriek
  • Yeast: Ommegang house yeast
  • OG: 21.5o Plato
  • FG: 3.9o Plato
  • ABV: 9.7%
  • IBU: 19