Beer of the Weekend #378: Ommegang BPA

Today’s brown bottle lunch is Ommegang BPA, brewed by Brewery Ommegang of Cooperstown, New York.


Serving type: 12-ounce bottle. A “BEST BY” date is printed on the neck but it is hard to make out.

Appearance: Served in a tulip. The color is hazy orange. Three fingers of thick, meringue-like white head dissipates slowly.

Smell: Light Belgian farmhouse funk, floral hops, orange, and maybe kiwi.

Taste: Excellent mouthfeel; very thick and creamy. There is a little bit of funk but the floral and citrus flavors create a strong and prominent backbone. Floral hops, orange and peel, kiwi, maybe a little tangerine and grapefruit, too. There is a little clove and pepper spice. Very smooth and easy drinking.

Drinkability: This is a very well-crafted brew. Nothing about it is over-the-top and none of the elements dominate, but it is a very tasty and pleasing experience.

Fun facts about OBPA:

-Style: Belgian Pale Ale.

-Price: $2.79/bottle at John’s Grocery in Iowa City.

-Serving temperature: The label says to “SERVE AT 40ºF/5ºC.”

-Alcohol content: 6.2 percent ABV.

-Food pairings: The beer’s webpage includes these chef’s notes:

It is a known fact that hoppy beers are a great beer to pair with fatty foods due to the bitterness of the hops being able to cut through fat. But when you take that ale to a new level that utilizes Belgian brewing techniques and yeast strains, the BPA is not your average hoppy beer. Think of your favorite bar food and elevate the ingredients and techniques. Crispy Buffalo style frog's legs with feta dressing, beef tartar with blue cheese sauce, fried Buratta cheese with basil-arugula pesto.

Not only do the truths of hoppy beers hold true to this ale, but the Belgian yeast lends the perfect sweetness and carbonation to cleanse the palate. Go bold when pairing with this ale. It will stand up to the challenge.

-IBU: 21.


The Quiet Man’s grade: A-.

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