Sometimes, one plus one equals three. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. The more the merrier. Two great tastes that taste great together. You get the idea. I'm talking, of course, about brewery collaborations. They're wonderful, and usually yield some interesting results. After all, we're all on the same side folks, the furtherance and promotion of craft beer!
The latest such venture to pass my lips is Philosophy and Velocity, a collaboration brew between two of America's best breweries, Ommegang on the east coast and Alesmith from the west.
Interestingly, although we do get Ommegang beers here in Georgia, I have not seen Philosophy and Velocity for sale. Granted, my travels are not as extensive these days, with Covid everywhere. I got my can from Craftshack, which is also interesting because I got the Ommegang-brewed east coast version, and Craftshack is located on the west coast.
I am very fond of both the base beers blended to make Philosophy and Velocity. Ommegang Three Philosophers (which is already a blended beer) and Alesmith Speedway Stout, although I do think the latter is a bit overpriced.
Ommegang/Alesmith Philosophy and Velocity has an alcohol content of 10.8% by volume.
Ingredients from the Ommegang website:
FERMENTABLES Two-row base, caramel specialty malt, chocolate malt, roasted barley, Liefmans Cuvee Brut
HOPS Styrian Golding, Cascade, Warrior
YEAST Ommegang House Yeast
About Ommegang Brewing Company
We opened in winter 1997 with Ommegang Abbey Dubbel, an 8.5% ABV traditional Trappist-style dark ale. Brewed with a complex array of spices and packaged in 750ml bottles, Abbey breaks the mold of the emerging American craft beer scene.
Tasting Notes
Ommegang/Alesmith Philosophy and Velocity pours to a jet-black color with a thick fluffy tan head and a nose of cherry, funk, and coffee. Taking a sip, the beer is smooth and full in body, chocolatey with notes of cherry, brown sugar and funk, black coffee, and a creamy finish that does not seem its 10.8%. Three Philosophers is already a blend of Ommegang Quad with Lindeman's Kriek, what's one more blend amongst friends?
Value & Verdict
I paid $4.00 for my can from Craftshack, and it sells for $14.99 a 4-pack at Total Wine, though not in Georgia. My can is stamped BEST BY 081725. Good thing I hurried and drank it. Just a delightful beer all around.
