Re-branded Art of Darkness?

Not much excites me in the beer world these days, but a new Ommegang beer is always something that has the potential to do so. Strong Belgian Dark makes it even better, and I’m anticipating much joy.

The pour into the Ommegang chalice is as expected, and after a mild pop on opening, the body is a dark, dark almost black brown, and a huge, pitted, mocha colored head. It looks fantastic. Some lacing too.

Nose and tastes deliver exactly what one would expect. Dark raisins, plummy fruits and other Belgian candy character. The yeast bolsters the beer, the body stands up and the 8.9% is controlling. Not really that boozy for a beer of its type and size, it all sits nicely with me.

If there is one criticism it’s that the early and very late, lingering tastes create a little licorice note in the beer. Not a HUGE problem, but I prefer that kind of element reserved for beers that fall firmly into the stout category. It’s not a massive element, so I can live with it.