Beverage Testing Institute: 91
"Three Philosophers is a unique blend of a Belgian-style dark ale and Liefmans Kriek, an authentic cherry ale from Belgium. Cherry chestnut in color, it's opaque but not cloudy with full carbonation topped by a smooth, tan head. Flavors and aromas of roasted malt, molasses and brown sugar, dark fruits, brandied raisins, and chocolate, Three Philosophers has notable sweetness with low hop bitterness. The mid-palate shows a soft malt center which gives way to a dry, warm, wine-like finish. The complexity of this beer makes it a good candidate for ageing gracefully, as spicy sherry and port notes should intensify." —brewer
"Appearance: Outstanding lacing, clinging action all over the glass. The clouded brown colour leaves a bit of mystery.
"Smell: Light medicinal, herbal, minty, and licorice in the aroma. Hint of solvent alcohol and a layered malt sweetness.
"Taste & Mouthfeel: Heavenly smoothness within the full body, creamy from middle to end. Thickly sweet of dark malts, nothing roasted. Deceiving alcohol leaves little warmth until the finish. Bitter phenols and a trace of hops help to balance. Very herbal and a bit earthy as well.
"Notes: Drop dead in complexity, a sipping brew and certainly something you would want to pair with rather than drinking it alone. I varied my pairings from a creamy Danish Blue Cheese with water crackers to dark chocolate." —Jason Alström, BeerAdvocate
"Lightly hazy reddish mahogany color. Lively aromas of chocolate cherry bonbons and apple butter on toast with a rich, frothy full body and a long, sour cherry, pineapple cake, yellow apple, peppery spice, and flower bed earth melange. A great food beer." —Beverage Testing Institute
Gold, 2011 World Beer Championships
