Ommegang Hennepin

My friend and fellow beer connoisseur Nate first introduced me to this delicious saison/farmhouse ale at Father's Office. I had never heard of the saison style but had an open mind and open palette and gave it a shot.

Saison/Farmhouse ales are named after the style in which they are brewed. Saison is the french word for "season"--alluding to the fact that the ale was traditionally brewed in farmhouses in the winter to be enjoyed by farmers during the summer harvest. (Information taken from Michael Jackson's The Beer Hunter - Beer Styles: Saison)

Ommegang Hennepin

This brewery follows the traditional Belgian style of brewing, but actually hails from Cooperstown, New York. Upon reading the bottle, I learned that Ommegang named this particular brew after Father Hennepin, a famous monk from Belgium.

Appearance: Honey colored, cloudy and unfiltered, continues to bubble after the pour creating a thick white foamy head, leaving white lace on the sides of the glass

Aroma: Yeasty and citrus notes, cloves with hints of nutmeg and straw

Taste: delicious and refreshing, malty beginning with nutmeg and coriander subtleties, with strong carbonation and a very sweet and smooth finish

Alcohol: 7.7% (although it doesn't taste as strong as it is)

I love Belgian beers so the Ommegang Hennepin, although American, was a great introduction to the farmhouse/saison style of ales. Much of the information about this beer suggests that it is a seasonal/summer beer, but I think it is delicious year round! I have seen it on draft at a few bars with a fantastic beer selection, averaging about $7 or so for a pint. It is also available in a 1 pint 9 oz bottle for $8. I would suggest this beer for people who enjoy Belgian beers or people who want to get introduced to an amazing and refreshing saison style ale.