Family is always there for you. Ommegang Brewmaster Phil Leinhart’s desire to create a soured fruit beer wasn’t a possibility at his brewery in Cooperstown. The climate and current infrastructure don’t permit it. Fortunately for him, Belgian sister-brewery Liefmans not only has the capability to make such a beer, they have been definitive standard-bearers for over three hundred years. Several phone calls, e-mails and most enjoyably – taste testings – later, Rosetta was born and ready to hit America.
Leinhart’s recipe calls for a perfectly balanced blend of old (aged on cherries at least three years) and young Flemish brown ale (or oud bruin) with a lively and fruity kriek, or cherry beer. The result is a complex yet refreshing mahogany-brown brew that is an intriguing interplay of tartness and sweetness. Its elegance and depth would make Madame Rosa Merckx proud – Liefmans’ former Brewmaster and the first Belgian woman with that title in whose honor the beer is named.
“I wanted a sour fruit beer that invites you to have another,” said Leinhart, Ommegang’s Brewmaster since 2008. “So many of the ones I find today are either so tart or so fruity, that I think beer lovers struggle to have more than one. Balance and the right blend was the key for me, and I really believe we hit the sweet spot, so to speak. I am looking forward to hearing back from drinkers on what they think and if the response is favorable, consider bringing this beer in draft next year as well.”
Rosetta is a moderate 5.6% ABV and its tart/sweet flavor pairs perfectly with light fare such as salad, chicken liver pâté or a pork terrine, soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert, or a smooth chocolate mousse. (Description provided by company)
Comments
Cherry deliciousness
Ommegang Rosetta is a dark ruby color in the glass with a finger thick beige head. The head decreased to a light ring. Not much aroma from this chilled brew. There is a hint of fruitiness, but not in a sweet way. The cherry isn't as strong as I was fearing; it is strong enough to clearly be cherry but doesn't come off as candy like or syrupy. I really wish I had some slightly sharp cheese along with this. That would have been perfect accompaniment for my post yardwork beer on the back patio.