Our Score: 89/100
Review of Brewery Ommegang Gnomegang
A Flavorful Collaboration
The Brewery Ommegang Gnomegang is the brainchild of a unique collaboration between Brewery Ommegang and Brasserie d’Achouffe. This exceptional Belgian Blonde ale is not your typical tripel. It’s a finely crafted brew featuring specially curated five malts, a pair of noble hops, and a blend of unique Ommegang and Chouffe yeasts.
Aroma: Tropical Haven in a Bottle
Scoring a 12 on the nose, Gnomegang leads with a bouquet of tropical fruits. You are greeted with the fresh notes of pineapple, mango, and lychee, creating an impactful aromatic experience that is simultaneously inviting and intriguing. These potent fruity scents are pleasantly balanced with subtle undertones of bready malt and wheaty spiciness. An additional layer of floral aromas adds a hint of honeysuckle, and a subtle whisper of caramel rounds out the sensory experience.
Appearance: Subtle Yet Enticing
A low score of 3 on the appearance does not detract from the appeal of this beer. It pours a light, frothy head that quickly settles, leaving a clear, amber-coloured liquid that is subtly enticing. The low-key appearance is a perfect foil for the bold flavours and aromas that this beer possesses.
Flavor: A Tropical Explosion
The flavor of this beer scored a strong 17, an apt reflection of its potency. The taste is quite literally an explosion of tropical fruits, primarily dominated by pineapple, making a sip feel like a tropical vacation in a bottle. The taste of sweet, ripe mango and exotic lychee balance the pineapple nicely, while a slight caramel touch adds some depth. There are whimsical notes of spices – mainly pepper and clove – and hints of leather and tobacco. This flavorful concoction is quite like an “alcoholic fruit cocktail”, if you will, and the surprisingly restrained bitterness offers a good balance.
Mouthfeel: Smooth and Pleasant
The beer’s mouthfeel scored a decent 4, as it brings forth a smooth and velvety texture that makes for a pleasant drinking experience. The beer slid down easily, leaving behind a pleasant warmth and a lasting fruity aftertaste.
Overall Experience
Although the Brewery Ommegang Gnomegang deviates from the traditional characteristics of a Belgian tripel, it’s a beer one should not overlook. Its bold tropical flair and surprisingly balanced flavors makes it feel like you have stumbled upon a big, juicy Mai Tai that’s accidentally presented in a beer bottle. While it may not satisfy those looking for a classic Belgian tripel, it opens up a new exciting avenue for the adventurous lot. Overall, with a score of 89 out of 100, the Gnomegang is indeed a rewarding concoction that excels in its own unique way.
Itional layer of complexity is added with hints of floral and herbal notes, creating a truly delightful aroma.
Flavor: Complex and Balanced
With each sip, the Gnomegang delivers a flavor profile that is both complex and well-balanced. The tropical fruit notes from the aroma carry over to the palate, accompanied by a touch of citrus zest. The malt backbone provides a solid foundation, offering bready and biscuity flavors that complement the fruity and hoppy characteristics. The Belgian yeast shines through, adding a subtle spiciness and a touch of clove. This brew finishes with a pleasant dryness and a slight warmth from its 9.5% ABV.
Overall: A Highlight for Belgian Ale Lovers
Brewery Ommegang and Brasserie d’Achouffe have successfully created a standout beer with Gnomegang. The collaboration has resulted in a flavorful and well-crafted Belgian Blonde ale that is sure to please fans of the style. From its inviting aroma to its complex flavor profile, this beer offers a memorable drinking experience. With its smooth and balanced character, it’s no wonder that it scores an impressive 89 out of 100. Cheers to the brewers for this exceptional collaboration!
Overall, I would highly recommend trying the Brewery Ommegang Gnomegang if you enjoy Belgian Blonde ales. It is a well-crafted and flavorful beer that offers a unique drinking experience. With its complex aroma, balanced flavor profile, and high score of 89 out of 100, it is a highlight for Belgian ale lovers.
Itional whiff reveals a hint of clove and banana, igniting anticipation for the sip to come.
Taste: A Harmonious Symphony
The first sip of Gnomegang is a delightful symphony of flavors. The tropical fruits from the aroma continue to shine, with the addition of juicy peach and citrusy orange. The sweetness of the fruits is complemented by a gentle caramel malt backbone, adding a touch of richness to the beer. The spiciness from the Belgian yeast adds complexity, with hints of clove and pepper dancing on the palate. The finish is dry and crisp, leaving you craving the next sip.
Mouthfeel: Smooth and Refreshing
Gnomegang has a medium body and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. The carbonation is lively, offering a pleasant effervescence that enhances the drinking experience. The beer goes down easy, with a refreshing crispness that leaves a clean and dry finish.
Overall: A Must-Try Brew
Brewery Ommegang Gnomegang is a stellar example of a Belgian Blonde ale. Its complex flavors, tropical aromas, and refreshing mouthfeel make it a stand-out beer. Whether you’re a fan of Belgian ales or looking to explore new flavors, Gnomegang is definitely worth a try. With its well-balanced profile and unique flavor combination, it is sure to impress even the most discerning beer enthusiasts. Cheers to collaboration and excellent brewing!
Our Score: 89/100