Product: Three Philosophers Beer: It doesn’t get much better than this Belgian-style from upstate New York Producer: Ommegang Brewery Approximate Retail Value: $7.99 for 25.4oz Category: Beer Country of Origin: Cooperstown, New York, USA Reviewer: Jon Costantino The F Words: Flavor – Chocolate, malt, cherry. Feel – Smooth and warming. Finish – Like a fine whisky.

Rating:

I’ve had hundreds of beers in my lifetime, from all different states and countries, and Three Philosophers from Ommegang could be my all-time favorite. It is so good it could hardly be called a beer. From its malty color and smell to its fine finish, its flavor matches up with some of the finest liquors and cordials found anywhere on this planet.

When you first pop its cork (no caps or screw tops here,) its nose will totally knock you out. It’s made with ale-infused with cherries, but this is no girly fruit beer. There’s just enough to taste the cherry, but it’s mostly malt and chocolate here. It has all the positives of a stout but has more of a sophisticated feel. The brewer recommends serving it at room temperature, which gave it more of a cognac feel. As it slid down my throat, the flavors even became more enhanced. The finish leaves an excellent chocolate taste in your mouth, which is why this beer might be better as an after-dinner finisher than one you kick back more than one at the local bar.

Speaking of that, there’s another reason why this beer has to be enjoyed differently than your average brew. At 9.8 percent ABV, it’s one of the stronger beers available in the United States. But if you’re as smart as the philosophers depicted on the bottle, chances are you’re not drinking this to get a buzz on (and if you are, try to limit yourself to one bottle).

This is a beer that is just meant for pairing. If you’re into paring drinks with food, this would go perfect with a chocolate mousse. But I would highly recommend it with a cigar.  Feel free to show it off to your friends who prefer single-malt scotches and bourbons, because I found Three Philosophers far more tasty and satisfying than either of those types of drinks.

I can’t recommend Three Philosophers enough to beer connoisseurs. Its flavor and feel can only be matched by few beers in the world, and most of those are produced in Belgium. Who knew one of the best brews in the world can be found in the birthplace of baseball?