Ommegang Adoration Ale
I love just about everything coming out of this Cooperstown, NY brewery. There are more than a few bottles from Ommegang sitting in my basement right now (Three Philosophers ages so well). When my father-in-law — he’s also a huge fan of the company — told me about this brew before Thanksgiving, I knew I had to find some right away.
While a Belgian Strong Dark Ale in terms of style, the beer was brewed more in lines of a tradition Belgian noel beer. It’s got an array of spices including coriander, cumin, mace, cardamom and grains of paradise to accompany a rich malt profile and the 10% ABV. It’s certainly a tasty brew that I hope cellars just as well as some of the brewery’s other products.
Appearance
Adoration pours a reddish brown in color with a light tan head that faded slowly with decent lacing.
Aroma
Smells like a strong Belgian holiday brew. There are elements of orange peel, nutmeg, caramel, sweetness and a bit of a yeastiness, as well. It’s got a nice strong malt backbone for the spices to cling to.
Taste
This is a really well balanced beer. There is plenty of that orange peel and citrus fruitiness to accompany the spice activity. A slight sweetness and yeast presence are also in there as the beer transitions to an interesting finish that has a touch of a sourness and latent alcohol warmth. Medium bodied and full flavored, Adoration is a well balanced winter warmer with a Belgian twist.
Overall
I enjoyed this beer thoroughly. It’s warming, sweet, spicy and cloying (in a good way). At 10% ABV, it’s also one of those brews you just sit back and take your time with. I can’t wait to see how this one tastes next Winter.
Rating: 4.25/5