The Brewery: Brewery Ommegang (Cooperstown, NY)
The Brew: Art Of Darkness
Availability: Bottles, draft (limited)
ABV: 8.9%
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home
The Story? It was around this time last year that I started actively aging beers. Thus, it seemed an appropriate time to start breaking into some that have been maturing since early this year and late last.
Art Of Darkness is a limited edition Belgian Strong Ale that gains all of it's flavor from barley, wheat malts, flaked oats, hops, and Ommegang's proprietary house yeast. No spices, fruit, nor secret ingredients here. Just pure beer experience.
Brewed in 2012 and released in January of 2013, this one has been hanging out for a good 10 months since release.
The Beer? Darkness kicks off with a lacy finger of mocha head and opaque, black body. The nose is alluring with inviting hops, green apple and lime aromas, and a thread of Muscat grape.
This Ommegang is quite wet up front, interesting for a Strong Ale, with a gradual mouth coat, and medium carbonation - just lively enough to allow all sorts of interesting flavors and aromas to breath.
Flavors of cola, sarsaparilla, and cherry weave through a firm body of yeast, oats, and dark, roasted malts. There's a touch of juicy, sourness to it. Just a bit, enough to provide an on-going wetness. The finish is quite boozy (and delicious), sufficient enough to add some faint vodka qualities to the flavor further through.
Overall, a great ride and worth the wait. I'm looking forward to more of Ommegang's limited line. Pick this early 2013 up if you still find it hanging around.
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