Ommegang Lovely, Dark And Deep

Ommegang Lovely, Dark And Deep is an Oatmeal Stout, 5.3% ABV. I found this winter offering late in the season here in Savannah, but the best by stamp has this good until September of 2016!

The beer pours with a rich black color, a good dark tan head that lingers with carbonation bubbles streaming up the side of my snifter. On the nose is a good bit of dark chocolate and a hint of burnt malt. Maybe a little figs and black licorice in the aroma as well. The Belgian inspired house yeast strain is a major player in the taste of this stout. Fruity yeast esters are upfront on the palate which is followed by some semi-sweet chocolate. A mild hint of char in the malt is nice before the taste settles into a dry finish that has a bit more dark fruits coming from the yeast strain. Although the beer feels appropriate to it’s flavor profile, I was expecting something fuller in body, this is way too thin for a beer being sold as an Oatmeal Stout.

All in all this is a nice crossover between Belgian and English brewing innovation, certainly worth a try if you are a fan of either. As a side note, a neighbor was burning some leaves while I was drinking this, got me to thinking a smoked malt version of this would be delicious!