Goose Island reconsidered

Why? Because I recently was advised to try goose island's Matilda and Sophie, both Belgian style ales which while having the same style name have nothing in common except exceptional brewing technique.

I don't know if goose island got another brewer or what, but these examples are far superior than the urban wheat 312 I had once upon a time.

Both shouldn't be drunk too cold. Both are well-balanced. The Matilda is pungent and earthy. You could drink it by itself to explore the odd tones or with earthy foods like game and mushrooms. The Sophie is a classic witbier. The citrus is present but not overwhelming. 6.5 ABV. Trying to move up from blue moon? Try the Sophie. Both are solid A's.

Ommegang all day long

This summer I had a need for a case of beer (rare) and at my 2nd closest distributor I find an Ommegang variety pack. Since 24 of the same beer is shocking to my system and since the next best option was Dogfish 60 min (so tired of it!), Ommegang it was even though I hadn't drunk anything from them in a really long time. Hennepin, Pale Ale, Dubbel and Three Philosophers Quad. What this variety pack made me realize is that Belgian Pale Ales do exist and are tasty! Next favorite, the Hennepin, then the Dubbel and finally the Quad. All A rated beers (except 3 Phil) which made me like Ommegang again even though I still think they're stuck in some sort of Belgium is the best wonderland. Drink again? Yes! Buy again? At $60, it wasn't a cheap case (actually it was he most expensive) but the per bottle price really wasn't bad at all. Maybe I'd buy a case of Pale and Hennepin over the variety pack now that I know what I like.

5 year recollections on Sella del Diavolo, Ola Dubh and Three Philosophers

Brewed by Birrificio Barley www.barley.it, the Devil's Saddler is one of the best ales I've had. Not that I've had it in over 5 years so the memory of it might be a lot better than I remember. What I do remember is an easy drinking (6.5 ABV) malty ale with well balance fruit flavors. A very rich ale more in line with Belgian ales than American craft ales. Had this when a restaurant was closing down and selling all their stock (primarily B. United) at half price. Otherwise I couldn't afford this beer or any B. United beer. Expect to pay near or over $20 for the 750 ml bottle. Drink again? Yes! Buy again? Regrettably, no, my budget can't afford it. A+

At the same blow-out sale, I acquired Harviestoun's Ola Dubh (Black Oil), a Scottish ale matured in Highland Park's 12 year whiskey casks. Dark, thick, and best drunk approaching room temp, if I remember the overtones were coffee and chocolate. It was well-balanced with any hops well-hidden. I don't remember the taste of whiskey. Frankly, I don't remember it much at all. 8% ABV. Drink again? Yes if sitting by a warm fire. Buy again? No. Just too pricey for me. A.

Forgot that this was also the first time I tried Ommegang's Three Philosophers Belgian-styled Quad. An ale sweetened with cherries, I remember it was stronger than the Sella and less balanced but entirely drinkable. This past summer and fall, I've had the chance to drink 3Phil in small bottle format from an Ommegang variety pack and in large bottle format in another variety pack. Then and now it had a metallic finish for me and the sweetness is too much as if it's there to mask the high ABV. I've never been a big quad fan so this one is already starting off handicapped. Compared to other quads it's not bad. Compared to other Ommegang styles, it's at the bottom. B+

A summer in the Pacific NW with Deckhand Belgian Saison

Beer hails from Lighthouse Brewing Company out of Victoria, B.C. Had this 2 summers ago. As I remember, very sessionable. Citrusy. Not my favorite saison but packs a good punch at 8% ABV. Also if I remember correctly, moderately priced. Drink again? Yes. Buy again? Depends on what else is available. A solid B+