– a farmhouse saison from Brewery Ommegang
published May 24, ’15
Packaging
Hennepin was recommended by a friend and fellow beer lover. And it’s a good thing he mentioned it because I never would have reached for it myself.
The packaging is just boring. Although the Ommegang and Hennepin names are bold, the
remaining details are in light yellow print on a reflective lavender background. The words ‘ale’ or ‘beer’ are practically invisible leaving you to wonder if you have to know some secret in
order to find the beer.
When you do find it, be prepared for some sticker shock. Hennepin is sold in a four-pack and the four-pack is over $10. Fortunately, it is a very good brew.
From the Brewer
Hennepin is a product of the Brewery Ommegang out of Cooperstown, NY. Creating seriously varied craft brews since 1997 their founders have deep Belgian roots that is expressed in their regular and limited edition lineup.
The Ommegang website is very unique and very modern at the same time. It is filled with tons of details regarding their many different brews and lots of info about the brewery events. They are also very active on social media, but those links are small and at the bottom of the page so don't miss them.
The Hennepin page has
food recommendations, some notes from the brewmaster and excellent details about the brew itself. There is even a recommendation for the type of glass to use to drink it
with.
Congrats, Ommegang, for an amazingly detailed online experience!
With 7.7% ABV, Hennepin is noted as a farmhouse saison.
Check it out at Ommegang.com
Color
At best, it was very difficult to determine a color for Hennepin. This brew creates
such a solid head with its perpetual bubbliness that it took literally three hours for the foam to dissipate off the top of my testing beaker so I could see the beer itself.
After comparing the two BeerColor.com scales to Hennepin, the color is a 6 and a half in Degrees Lovibond which makes it a Deep Gold beer.
But when you drink this beer, you will see a much lighter color which is caused by the
bubbles. It will look more like a 4 in degrees Lovibond, making it a Medium Yellow brew. You can see the comparison of fresh to flat beer here.
Taste
Hennepin starts with a lemony fresh aroma, light to the tongue, immediately refreshing.
The middle is bitingly sharp; a lightly spicy crispness strikes with whispers of hops and orange but filled with bubbly effervescence.
It ends with a stroke of coriander, then trails away into the sour rind of white grapefruit. Brilliant, if you enjoy sour.
This is an amazingly complex brew I'd warn that bold foods will overpower. Instead enjoy this with light crusty breads or a mild risotto.
Final Facts
Name: Hennepin
Packaging: Reflective lavender with small yellow print which you can barely read!
Type: Farmhouse Saison
ABV: 7.7% - Adds a smile!
Color: 6.5 in degL which makes it a Deep Gold beer
Taste: Lemony refreshing start; middle is spicy, orange and hoppy; ends with a stroke of coriander mixed with grapefruit sour.
Price: $10.99 a four pack
12 oz bottle: $2.75 - expensive!
Final rating: 4 out of 5 Caps
It's too expensive for a daily drinker, but I recommend buying a four pack to share the brilliance with your adventurous friends.