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Served fresh at the brewery beer is always at its best. Right to left: Brewmaster Phil
Leinhart, Minister of PRopaganda Larry Bennet, President Simon Thorpe and
thirsting Charlie Papazian. Photo by Sandra Papazian
If you’re looking for some fresh air, fresh beer and a microbrewed adventure take a journey into rural New York. There you may feel as though you’ve stepped into the Belgian countryside. Best of all Belgian-style beer treats await the adventurous.
Cooperstown, New York is the home of Baseball’s Hall of Fame. That is worth a visit in and of itself. If you’re thirsty head south about 10 minutes into the countryside and discover the treats at Brewery Ommegang. Their beers are legendary amongst beer enthusiasts who enjoy fresh American brewed Belgian-inspired beers. Brewery Ommegang is actually owned by Duvel/Moortgaat an independent and 460 year old family run Belgian brewing company, Ommegang combines the charm of Belgium and the rural fabric of America in formulating a unique local beer culture.
Their annual “Belgium comes to Cooperstown” beer festival happened last weekend. I missed it arriving one week earlier for a visit. I didn’t miss the opportunity to marvel at the quality of their beers and the realize why there’s a national following by beer enthusiasts.
Beer tastes best at the brewery in which it was brewed. My tasting at the brewery was no exception: Ommegang Witte (Belgian-wheat style), Rare Vos (Belgian pale ale), Three Philosophers (a Belgian Kriek/Cherry beer enhanced strong ale), Hennepin (their essay on Saison) and Ommegang Abbey Ale (strong, fruity, spiced complex ale)
I left with the burden of a 2002 brewed gift of Three Philosophers. Too good and too interesting to drink alone, I’ll share with friends in the near future.
Next: Beer destinations: New Jersey is not a turnpike
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