Ommegang's Chocolate Indulgence: cocoa, kale, succotash
We have thoroughly enjoyed the beers we've had from Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, so we don't doubt its Chocolate Indulgence Stout is a fine beer. But this recent review from the Beverage Tasting Institute kind of cracked us up:
Deep brown black color. Bright grassy and peppery kale-like aromas with a touch of cacao shells and pistachio oil underneath and a supple, dryish medium-full body. Flavors of succotash and fricassee emerge on the palate with an artisanal pink peppercorn chocolate and earthy hops swagger on the finish. An interesting amalgamation of grain, vegetables and earthy cocoa flavors. A must try with foods like braised meat and stews.
Succotash. OK.
The org, which touts itself as an objective and impartial review of wine and beer, gave Chocolate Indulgence a score of 91 (exceptional).
Other Ommegang offerings also recently posted high scores: Ommegang Abbey Ale Dubbel (95), Adoration Special Winter Ale (92) Three Philosophers Quadruple Ale (91).
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Comments
"artisanal pink peppercorn"? You definitely don't hear that enough... or ever. I think I need to find a way to work that into my daily conversations.
... said Rebecca E. on Jan 20, 2011 at 1:59 PM | link
Good to know it has some swagger, I've been looking for a brew with some hip hop cred.
... said B on Jan 20, 2011 at 2:25 PM | link
Wow, this is really surprising. While Chocolate Indulgence isn't always the easiest to get your hands on, it isn't one of Ommegang's best brews, and definitely not the best chocolate stout you can get from the Empire State.
If you like Chocolate Indulgence, definitely check out Brooklyn's Black Chocolate Stout. It's infinitely better and you'll never look back.
PS. I just checked their rating on the Brooklyn. 96 points (Superlative). Extremely well deserved. Not so much on the Chocolate Indulgence rating.
... said the fuj. on Jan 20, 2011 at 2:34 PM | link
I agree. It is a good beer, but it is not the best chocolate stout in the state. Brooklyn Black Chocolate is OK, but it's a little thin and boozy for my tastes. Brooklyn Black Ops is great, but if you really want to treat yourself then grab a bottle of Souther Tier Chokolat. It will change the way you think of chocolate beers.
... said ERock on Jan 20, 2011 at 4:48 PM | link
Oh, how I deeply despise such nonsensical and superfluous puffery.
... said Wendalicious on Jan 20, 2011 at 4:58 PM | link
And now I'm singing "Groove is in the Heart" - my supperdish, my succotash wish...over and over again and really wanting a beer - torture squared!
... said the_exile on Jan 20, 2011 at 5:46 PM | link
There's no such thing as the flavor of fricassee. Hell, there's no such thing as the flavor of succotash, at least not that means anything. There are only two reasons to write this sort of crap:
Now, if the stout had "a hoppy sphincter, with hints of lunch meat and finger paint," that'd be different.
LQ
... said Lou Quillio on Jan 20, 2011 at 9:40 PM | link
I tasted all the Ommegang's beers this fall and found them very heavy on spices, especially cardamom.
... said Lu on Jan 21, 2011 at 2:34 AM | link