Ommegang Three Philosophers 750ML

Ommegang Three Philosophers 750ML is a Belgian-style quadrupel ale blended with authentic cherry lambic, bottled at 9.7% ABV in a 750ml format. This distinctive quad earns a 98 score on RateBeer and stands apart from the category through its signature blend of 98% Ommegang Quadruple Ale and 2% Liefmans Kriek, a traditional Belgian sour cherry oud bruin.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9.7%  |  Origin: Cooperstown, New York, USA  |  Style: Belgian-Style Quadrupel  |  Brewery: Brewery Ommegang (Duvel Moortgat)

Production & Heritage

Brewery Ommegang was founded in Cooperstown, New York, and operates under the ownership of Belgian brewing group Duvel Moortgat. Three Philosophers is built on a grain bill of two-row barley, caramel malt, amber malt, Munich-20, and extra special cara-20, hopped with Styrian Goldings and Spalter Select. What truly defines this beer is the blending process: 98% of the liquid is Ommegang's own quadruple ale, married with 2% Liefmans Kriek — an authentic Belgian cherry ale — creating a layered complexity that single-beer quadrupels cannot replicate. This blending technique bridges American craft ambition with centuries-old Belgian brewing tradition.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep, dark fruit leads the nose — think brandied raisins and dried plum — followed by waves of cocoa and baking spice. Underneath, roasted malt and brown sugar lend a rich, almost confectionery warmth.

Taste: The entry is generous with caramel, vanilla, and cocoa, immediately revealing the complexity of the malt bill. Mid-palate brings a soft, pillowy malt center as notes of plum and dried cherry cascade through toffee-like currents. The Kriek component surfaces subtly here, adding a gentle tartness that lifts the sweetness and prevents the beer from becoming one-dimensional.

Finish: The finish is dry and warm, recalling a fine wine more than a typical ale. Lingering roasted malt and a faint cherry echo carry well beyond the last sip, with a noticeable but balanced alcohol warmth at 9.7%.

How to Drink Three Philosophers

Pour into a tulip glass or wide-bowled goblet at cellar temperature (50–55°F) to fully open the aromatics; this beer rewards patience and should not be served ice-cold. Three Philosophers also works as a compelling cocktail or mixed-drink ingredient: use it in a Belgian Velvet float with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert; blend it into a Quad Flip with a whole egg, demerara syrup, and nutmeg for a rich after-dinner treat; or try a Cherry Quad Shandy with fresh cherry juice and a squeeze of lemon for a lighter warm-weather serve.

Best For

• Sharing as a dinner-party centerpiece alongside a cheese course
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who appreciates Belgian styles
• Cellar aging to develop further complexity over one to three years
• Pairing with a rich chocolate dessert at the end of a special meal

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Three Philosophers taste like? Three Philosophers delivers rich caramel, cocoa, and vanilla up front, transitioning into dried cherry and plum with a dry, wine-like finish. The 2% Liefmans Kriek blend adds a subtle cherry tartness that balances the malt sweetness.

How does Three Philosophers compare to Avery The Reverend? Both are American-brewed Belgian-style quadrupels at similar ABV levels, but Three Philosophers distinguishes itself through its Kriek blending, which introduces a fruity tartness absent in The Reverend. The Reverend tends toward a more straightforward dark fruit and malt profile without the cherry complexity.

Is Three Philosophers good for sipping? Absolutely — its 9.7% ABV, layered flavor profile, and wine-like finish make it ideal for slow, contemplative sipping from a tulip glass at cellar temperature.

Where is Three Philosophers made? Three Philosophers is brewed at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, New York. The brewery is owned by Belgian brewing group Duvel Moortgat, and the Liefmans Kriek component used in the blend originates from Belgium.

What foods pair well with Three Philosophers? Dark chocolate truffles amplify the cocoa notes beautifully. Aged Gouda or Gruyère mirrors the caramel and toffee character. Braised short ribs stand up to the beer's richness and malt depth. Duck confit complements the dried cherry and dark fruit. Blue cheese creates a striking contrast with the subtle Kriek tartness.

What sizes does Three Philosophers come in? Three Philosophers is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle with a cork-and-cage finish, befitting its Belgian-style presentation.

Is Three Philosophers worth the price? Three Philosophers positions as a premium craft ale, and the unique Kriek blending process, complex grain bill, and high critical ratings — including a 98 on RateBeer — place it firmly in justifiable territory for its price tier among American-brewed Belgian quads.

Why Three Philosophers?

The defining feature here is the blend: no other widely distributed American quadrupel incorporates authentic Belgian Kriek in its recipe. That 2% Liefmans addition is not a gimmick — it fundamentally reshapes the flavor architecture, introducing a cherry tartness that cuts through the inherent richness of a 9.7% quad and creates a more drinkable, balanced beer. With a 98 rating on RateBeer and a 92 on BeerAdvocate, critical consensus confirms what the glass delivers. For drinkers seeking a quad with genuine complexity beyond the usual dark fruit and caramel template, Three Philosophers remains one of the most distinctive expressions in the American craft landscape.