For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be trying the Rare VOS brewed by Brewery Ommegang located in Cooperstown, New York.

Let’s just go ahead and jump to the website, ommegang.com, for the description of this beer. 

Rare Vos is flemmish for “Sly Fox,” and the name of one of Brussels’ great cafes. It has a sweetly fruity malt character and yeasty spiciness. A fine dose of yeast permits the beer to mature and mellow in the bottle. 

Let’s give it a try.

This brew has an ABV of 6.5% and it comes in a 12 oz. bottle.

It poured a semi-hazy orange to burnt yellow color.  The head was slightly off white, rather creamy, soft, a bit rocky and fluffy.  The size was good, the retention time was adequate and the lacing was decent.  It didn’t look too bad really.

The nose presented suitable hints of banana along with spices of clove.  Very nice aromas of bread and Belgian yeast.  As the brew warmed a touch I started to notice a bit of orange rind also.  Very well balanced, even and good.  Not too complex, but very fitting.

The taste let the orange citrus come forth a tad more.  A touch of banana as well.  The toasted breads and yeasty characteristics were solid and a light dollop of caramel sweetness tickled the tongue.  Tiny savors of clove and just a smidgen of pepper were found on the back end.  It was quite sweet and delicate really.  Again, very well balanced, commendable and nice.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied.  It was smooth, dry and comfortable.  The carbonation was of medium strength.  A good amount of flavor was left behind for me to enjoy after each sip also.

Overall, I thought this was a very solid and tasty beer.  I really liked it.  Very good all around.  Again, a bit simple, but worthwhile and flavorful.  I’d definitely say give the Ommegang Rare VOS a try if you happen to see it.  I doubt that it will blow you away or anything, but if you are looking to try a well crafted American brew with plenty of aroma and flavor, this one may tickle your fancy.  It’s always nice to find a beer like this.  One that’s easily drinkable and keeps me interested for the duration without ever becoming tiresome or too complicated.  As always, be sure to let me know what you thought of this beer if you have tried it.

Thanks for reading and commenting guys.  I really enjoy the interaction.

Until next time.  Cheers.

Score:  3.9 out of 5
Grade:  B+