"Abbey was Ommegang's first beer and was styled after Dubbels produced by Belgian Trappist monks. A deep, rich and malty ale, Abbey uses several Belgian specialty malts and spices resulting in a very aromatic, flavorful beer. Deep burgundy in color, topped by a dense tan head, Abbey Ale is rich on the palate but with a dry finish. Suitable for cellaring, Abbey develops wonderful caramel, fig, and currant notes with age." —brewer
"Big foaming action as soon as the crown was cracked. Higher levels of carbonation hold the lace together as the hazy maroon amber colour throws a bubble here and there. Alcohol-soaked candied fruit, mild clove, hint of anise, caramel and mild citric peel in the aroma. Dry palate with a big crisp high level of carbonation, spicy on the tongue with clove, anise and hints of black pepper. Fruity with ripe tropical fruit, faint metallic earthy flavours bug the taste buds. Powdery yeast in the nearly bone-dry finish makes me want to take another sip. Esters are there but not overwhelming." —Jason Alström, BeerAdvocate
"Presentation: A beautiful 750ml bottle with tips on pouring, drinking, and where to find the brewery. The front label also had a brief but revealing description of the liquid within. 'Ommegang is a Belgian-style Abbey Ale — top fermented and bottle conditioned, yielding a rich, fruity, aromatic, burgundian brew.'
"Appearance: Rich and dark, with an extremely healthy head comprised of tiny bubbles.
"Smell: Malty and sweet with hints of caramelized sugars and honey. Slightly fruity and deep to the nose.
"Taste: Complex malt richness and fruit flavours, with hints of spice and a smooth body of dark sweetness. Semi-champagne style carbonation led to it finishing slightly dry and yet again...more sweetness.
"Notes: This is a victory for American Belgian Ale lovers. It makes for a very affordable treat." —Todd Alström, BeerAdvocate
"Moderately carbonated with a full, sweet body, this is a classic brew that has retained its reputation throughout the years as an approachable and enjoyable Belgian-style domestic beer. The Belgian yeast aromas of clove, banana and biscuit conquer the nose, with suggestions of cherry pit, candied date and caramelized malt fighting for recognition. Complex and malty in the mouth with a dry, somewhat nutty finish. A very drinkable but also quite strong beer." —Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
"Reddish mahogany color with a fine taupe blanket of foam. Intriguing aromas of licorice, kiwi crème brûlée, and lemon curd on buttered rye toast with a supple, satiny dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long, balanced spicy fruit cake, wheat grass, and mineral finish. Deliciously rich and satisfying." —Beverage Testing Institute
Gold, 2011 World Beer Championships
