Ommegang Bigger and Bretter
I’ll be the first to admit that I am an Ommegang fanboy. From the first time I encountered the brewery’s Three Philosophers many moons ago, I’ve purchased, enjoyed and cellared a good number of their products without hesitation. It’s been a great relationship and one that continues to grow with beers like Bigger and Bretter. This 7.6% ABV Biere de Garde is refermented with, you guessed it, Brettanomyces.
This is a quality beer with a wonderful yeast character that displays a measure of control in not going too far into the wild. Bigger and Bretter has a fairly robust nature for a style of beer that is generally lighter fare. The brew’s slightly viscous body and mouthfeel — both pretty unique for the genre — certainly help in that regard. A decent malt backbone, touch of honey and distant fruits combine well with the wild nature of the yeast, presenting a cohesive and well-rounded drinking experience.
Bigger and Bretter is another great example of what Ommegang is capable of producing. This is a beer that is excellent fresh or one that you can cellar for a bit. The flavors should definitely continue to develop over time with an outcome that should prove interesting. I love that the Biere de Garde presents a wild character without getting to wild. The balanced nature of the beer makes for a more drinkable experience.