Ommegang Biere de Mars

Brewed by Brewery Ommegang (Moortgat)
Style: Bière de Garde
Cooperstown, New York USA

29.04.06 at TAPNY, 15.07.06 at BCTC. First off, a huge thank you to Ommegang for making the correct decision and brewing this stuff again to be enjoyed at BCTC. Far and away, this was the standout beer of TAPNY and is definitely my favorite Ommegang beer to date. Like so many beers that blow my mind, it was nearly impossible to take notes as I was completely distracted by the immensity of the beer itself, and of the many, many samples I’ve tried , I’ve got a smattering of silly notes like - hugely floral, phenomenal champagne effervescence, rich macadamia nuttiness, perfect acidity... none of my notes are of any substance, but my memories are plain as day. Nearly perfect beer, and the best I’ve had in a long time.

Beer does not get better than this. A beautiful beer with prune/apple flavors and a slightly acidic note. Very complex tartness. My favorite Belgian style ale.

On tap at TAP NY 2006. Scott hooked us up with plenty of samples during TAP. This stuff was so good, we spent nearly the last hour of the fest just hanging out right in front of Ommegang drinking sample after sample, always worried that the sample we were drinking would be the last sample ever poured. Then somehow the brewers would squeeze out a bit more from the single small keg that they had made. This beer pours a nice yeasty cloudy deep straw/light copper color with a massive lasting head which hardly ever fades and leaves some serious lacing. Aroma is yeasty with lots of brett, but it isnt overwhelming. Slight lemon and citrus, light horseblanket, farmhouse funk, rotting hay, and a slight musty smell. Still, with all the brett, there are some herbal hops in the mix along with a sturdy bready pils malt backbone. Slightly fruity first sip with some light herbal hints and some sweetness. Towards the end it finishes a bit funky yet very crisp and somewhat clean with a bit of tart acidity, but not nearly as much as you would expect for a beer brewed with Brettanomyces. (Scott said he used Brett. Bruxellensis) Smooth all around and simply a pleasure to drink, especially on this warm spring day. It is a shame they could only make a keg of this, but I have a feeling they might make more for this summers BCTC fest. If they do- that is where you will find me. Kickass!

750mL bottle, purchased at the brewery during BCTC. Pours murky orange-amber, capped with a thin off-white head. Very appealing aroma of wild yeast, wheat, apple, earth, and orange. I smelled this for several minutes before indulging in my first sip. Flavor did not disappoint. Notes of wheat, with some funky accents due to the brett, along with white grape, lemon, earth, herbs, and tropical fruit. Wheat and wild yeast lingers on the palate. Really delicious beer. If this doesn’t reach wider distribution, I’ll regret not picking up a case for the cellar.

Large Head, thick. Light brown in color. Soft on the tounge but dense enough to let you know it’s there. Carmel notes with some apple and what seems like figs. Yeast finish with a touch of sour. Excellent.

750 ml bottle shared with the KW crew. another great bottle shared by Jan. a huge thanks! the pour is hazy amber with a nice off white head. the aroma was huge on this. big malts up front with some citrus and funky dryness. the flavour is awesome with the funk coming through more then the nose would suggest. the malt spine holds everything together and the dry finish was perfect for the style. the hops were noticeable throughout but didnt play a big role in the flavour or aroma. very nice brew, actually this was stupid good. thanks for the share Jan!

[BCTC 06] Poured a hazy amber color with a medium sized, off white head that left nice lacing on the glass. Aroma of pine, citrus fruits, brett, tropical fruits, and earthy barnyard. Taste of more earthy yeast, orange peel, tart citrus fruits, and faint alcohol as well.

Flavor is on the dry side and rather oaky. Quite complex, with a lot of cherry stone in the flavor.