Brewery Ommegang Gnomegang
What the brewers say
“This blonde ale is a co-creation of Brewery Ommegang and Brasserie d’Achouffe. It employs five malts, two noble hops, and the Ommegang and Chouffe yeasts. Enjoy the smooth drinkability, fruity aromas and flavors, and warming finish.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Tropical fruit (pineapple, mango, and lychee) with bready malt, wheaty spiciness, and a light peppery spice. Floral, honeysuckle aroma. A subtle hint of caramel.”
Flavor: “Pineapple juice! OMG, it’s the Dole plantation. Not exactly a tripel, but the flavor is intriguing. Tropical fruits dominate, with a little caramel in the background to support it without overdoing it. Tastes like alcoholic fruit cocktail with fun Belgian phenolics (black pepper, clove, hints of leather and tobacco). Very restrained bitterness provides balance.”
Overall: “Despite the stylistic deviations from tripel, it’s a big, juicy Mai Tai that accidentally ended up in a beer bottle (or can). Those looking for a classic Belgian tripel will be sorely disappointed, but the adventurous will be richly rewarded.”