Chocolate Indulgence Stout | Brewery Ommegang
Brewed by:
Brewery Ommegang
New York, United States | website
Style: Belgian Dark Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.00%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
Chocolate Indulgence offers a thick tan head of foam resting atop of the rich onyx-hued liquid. The aroma immediately speaks of dark chocolate and dark malts. The gentle herbal notes of perle hops compliments the darker aroma notes, making the beer fully savory to all the senses.
Added by BeerBeing on 09-27-2007
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 703 | Ratings: 1,297
4.1/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Ommegang style bomber, corked and caged with a beautiful label. Pour produces a rich dark brown with loads of funk floating around and an excellent tan to mocha brown head. Poured into my Ommegang Goblet.
Aroma Is rich with dark chocolate and roasted malt. Some earthy herbal character as the yeast takes on a dark fruitiness that pairs well with the toasted chocolate.
Dark cocoa up front produces some lovely dark chocolate bitterness. Somewhat earthy notes with milk chocolate sweetness deep in the belly of all those bittersweet dark chocolate notes. A hint of Belgian spice and a slosh of dark fruit from the delicious yeast. Finish has a touch of sweetness and a note of roasted walnut.
Terrific body texture and the thickness is as expected from the size. Ommegang really delivers it's bittersweet chocolate flavors while keeping the sweetness in check making it very drinkable. Like toasted dark chocolate mixed with butter. This drinks like a Belgian stout and it's quality shines through as usual from Ommegang. Finish leaves a trail of chocolate pie notes lingering in the back.
Chocolate Indulgence is not your classic Ommegang offering done in traditional Belgian style, but is a nice twist on the so called Belgian stout style. For me this style is different than the actual Belgian dark ales as it has some roast to the malt. The chocolate is there as is the dark malt, but is balanced in such a stunning way with light sweetness and dark fruits that make this more than just a dessert brew. As good as this is, I'd have to imagine a Bourbon barrel aged version would be well worth the search. I'm not huge into chocolate forward ales, but Indulgence definitely brings a different aspect of chocolate in an ale.
★ 1,730 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Ommegang style bomber, corked and caged with a beautiful label. Pour produces a rich dark brown with loads of funk floating around and an excellent tan to mocha brown head. Poured into my Ommegang Goblet.
Aroma Is rich with dark chocolate and roasted malt. Some earthy herbal character as the yeast takes on a dark fruitiness that pairs well with the toasted chocolate.
Dark cocoa up front produces some lovely dark chocolate bitterness. Somewhat earthy notes with milk chocolate sweetness deep in the belly of all those bittersweet dark chocolate notes. A hint of Belgian spice and a slosh of dark fruit from the delicious yeast. Finish has a touch of sweetness and a note of roasted walnut.
Terrific body texture and the thickness is as expected from the size. Ommegang really delivers it's bittersweet chocolate flavors while keeping the sweetness in check making it very drinkable. Like toasted dark chocolate mixed with butter. This drinks like a Belgian stout and it's quality shines through as usual from Ommegang. Finish leaves a trail of chocolate pie notes lingering in the back.
Chocolate Indulgence is not your classic Ommegang offering done in traditional Belgian style, but is a nice twist on the so called Belgian stout style. For me this style is different than the actual Belgian dark ales as it has some roast to the malt. The chocolate is there as is the dark malt, but is balanced in such a stunning way with light sweetness and dark fruits that make this more than just a dessert brew. As good as this is, I'd have to imagine a Bourbon barrel aged version would be well worth the search. I'm not huge into chocolate forward ales, but Indulgence definitely brings a different aspect of chocolate in an ale.
★ 1,730 characters
3.95/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Comes in deep brown with a beige head forming at the 1/2" mark. Lace and retention were superb. Aroma was like those chocolate orange candies.
Has a decent amount of chocolate, not as much as Rogue or Southern Tier offerings, but still good, easy banger. A very American adjunct Belgian Dark Ale, the yeast doesn't punch through the chocolate. Kept the dark fruit bitterness at bay.
A good beer, I enjoyed it. Format would keep me from another purchase, but hey, it was good at least.
★ 493 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Comes in deep brown with a beige head forming at the 1/2" mark. Lace and retention were superb. Aroma was like those chocolate orange candies.
Has a decent amount of chocolate, not as much as Rogue or Southern Tier offerings, but still good, easy banger. A very American adjunct Belgian Dark Ale, the yeast doesn't punch through the chocolate. Kept the dark fruit bitterness at bay.
A good beer, I enjoyed it. Format would keep me from another purchase, but hey, it was good at least.
★ 493 characters
4.17/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
L: Dark brown with a creamy light brown head. Head retention is very strong, and lacing is abundant. A pleasure to look at.
S: Roasted grain, chocolate, fruity and slightly spicy yeast character, earthy/herbal hops
T: Fruity yeast is very apparent- apple, pear, and to a lesser extent, plum. A subdued coffee flavor rides shotgun to dark chocolate and its accompanying bitterness that lingers, intertwining with the herbal hops on the back-end
F: Excellent. Medium carbonation, medium bodied. exceptionally smooth and silky mouthfeel, with a dry, almost chalky finish. After well into the glass, it gets a bit sticky a s well
O: I think the name is a bit of a misnomer, as the chocolate is not exceptionally dominant. But I'm not interested in that. I'm interested in what is in the glass, and this beer is very finely constructed. Simply a pleasure to look at and drink. I would recommend this, but don't expect a chocolate bomb.
★ 934 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
L: Dark brown with a creamy light brown head. Head retention is very strong, and lacing is abundant. A pleasure to look at.
S: Roasted grain, chocolate, fruity and slightly spicy yeast character, earthy/herbal hops
T: Fruity yeast is very apparent- apple, pear, and to a lesser extent, plum. A subdued coffee flavor rides shotgun to dark chocolate and its accompanying bitterness that lingers, intertwining with the herbal hops on the back-end
F: Excellent. Medium carbonation, medium bodied. exceptionally smooth and silky mouthfeel, with a dry, almost chalky finish. After well into the glass, it gets a bit sticky a s well
O: I think the name is a bit of a misnomer, as the chocolate is not exceptionally dominant. But I'm not interested in that. I'm interested in what is in the glass, and this beer is very finely constructed. Simply a pleasure to look at and drink. I would recommend this, but don't expect a chocolate bomb.
★ 934 characters
2.84/5 rDev -25.5%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
On tap at Flying Saucer downtown Nashville. Poured into a snifter.
The name "Chocolate Indulgence" and the consequent expectations are honestly what killed this beer for me. Good name for a lactose stout, not so much for a Belgian dark ale.
L - Thin pour with half finger head. Very dark with red tints.
S - Fruit forward nose with minimal chocolate
Taste and mouthfeel are on par with the aroma. Decent dark ale but almost no chocolate.
I probably would have enjoyed this much more had I not been asking "where's the chocolate indulgence?" the whole time. If given an obscure (non-flavorprofile) name, those subtle chocolate notes would have been a bonus rather than a hindrance.
★ 687 characters
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
On tap at Flying Saucer downtown Nashville. Poured into a snifter.
The name "Chocolate Indulgence" and the consequent expectations are honestly what killed this beer for me. Good name for a lactose stout, not so much for a Belgian dark ale.
L - Thin pour with half finger head. Very dark with red tints.
S - Fruit forward nose with minimal chocolate
Taste and mouthfeel are on par with the aroma. Decent dark ale but almost no chocolate.
I probably would have enjoyed this much more had I not been asking "where's the chocolate indulgence?" the whole time. If given an obscure (non-flavorprofile) name, those subtle chocolate notes would have been a bonus rather than a hindrance.
★ 687 characters
3.68/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: very dark, almost black body; thick frothy tan head, long lasting, great lacing
Smell: chocolate malts; light hints of coffee; good aroma, but nothing really jumps out at you
Taste: very bitter roasted grains, almost like black coffee on the start; starts to get a little sweeter in the mid, but finishes pretty bitter; not bad, but not as balanced as I expected; I would prefer just a little bit more malt to balance it out.
Mouthfeel: feels creamy at the start, but then turns out to be a bit thin on the end; pretty smooth overall
Remarks: not a bad beer overall, but I was expecting something with more of a dessert feel to it, although I don't know why I thought that.
★ 694 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Appearance: very dark, almost black body; thick frothy tan head, long lasting, great lacing
Smell: chocolate malts; light hints of coffee; good aroma, but nothing really jumps out at you
Taste: very bitter roasted grains, almost like black coffee on the start; starts to get a little sweeter in the mid, but finishes pretty bitter; not bad, but not as balanced as I expected; I would prefer just a little bit more malt to balance it out.
Mouthfeel: feels creamy at the start, but then turns out to be a bit thin on the end; pretty smooth overall
Remarks: not a bad beer overall, but I was expecting something with more of a dessert feel to it, although I don't know why I thought that.
★ 694 characters
3.9/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 750ml bottle into a speiglau stout glass.
Look is pitch black with a thick frothy head.
Lots of roasted chocolate malt on the nose. A little astringent but not much.
An intense roasted malt on the nose with a thick milk chocolaty feel to the body and after taste.
A decent chocolate stout.
★ 308 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 750ml bottle into a speiglau stout glass.
Look is pitch black with a thick frothy head.
Lots of roasted chocolate malt on the nose. A little astringent but not much.
An intense roasted malt on the nose with a thick milk chocolaty feel to the body and after taste.
A decent chocolate stout.
★ 308 characters
3.62/5 rDev -5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Poured into a snifter it is black with a slight beige 3 inch thick head. Smell of dark chocolate, roasted yet bread-y malt, cocoa powder, earth, and some dried fruit. Taste is chocolate, some sour metallic, dried fruit, plum, raisin, slight coffee, small notes of caramel, and smooth but with a good amount of carbonation. Mouth feel is moderate and body is light to moderate. Not at all a stout as I was expecting, it truly does taste more like a Belgian dark ale and the chocolate is nice but the body and mouth feel is too weak and doesn't match up.
★ 552 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Poured into a snifter it is black with a slight beige 3 inch thick head. Smell of dark chocolate, roasted yet bread-y malt, cocoa powder, earth, and some dried fruit. Taste is chocolate, some sour metallic, dried fruit, plum, raisin, slight coffee, small notes of caramel, and smooth but with a good amount of carbonation. Mouth feel is moderate and body is light to moderate. Not at all a stout as I was expecting, it truly does taste more like a Belgian dark ale and the chocolate is nice but the body and mouth feel is too weak and doesn't match up.
★ 552 characters
3.67/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Review from notes, Oct 2013, 750ml bottle poured into tulip
A- pours a dark brown color with a little bit of light shining through, creamy off-white head retains nicely
S- picking up more dark fruit than chocolate up front, some spicy Belgian yeast, caramel and fresh bread
T- dark fig/raisin flavors mix with light chocolaty malt, hints of toffee and coffee, spicy yeast on the finish
M- medium body with medium carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel that continues into a dryish finish
O- certainly not a stout, with more dark fruit than chocolate, still enjoyable though
★ 579 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Review from notes, Oct 2013, 750ml bottle poured into tulip
A- pours a dark brown color with a little bit of light shining through, creamy off-white head retains nicely
S- picking up more dark fruit than chocolate up front, some spicy Belgian yeast, caramel and fresh bread
T- dark fig/raisin flavors mix with light chocolaty malt, hints of toffee and coffee, spicy yeast on the finish
M- medium body with medium carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel that continues into a dryish finish
O- certainly not a stout, with more dark fruit than chocolate, still enjoyable though
★ 579 characters
3.98/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Undated bomber given me in December 2013 and aged one year.
This is a chocolate ale for those who like their chocolate dark and not very sweet. None of the Hershey's milk chocolate effect here! The chocolate is one element in a mix of roasty flavors, but the chocolate doesn't overwhelm the stout. The beer is just a little tart, and has a bit of bitterness (like coffee bitterness, not the effect of hops). This beer is not sweet at all. Very tasty.
★ 456 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Undated bomber given me in December 2013 and aged one year.
This is a chocolate ale for those who like their chocolate dark and not very sweet. None of the Hershey's milk chocolate effect here! The chocolate is one element in a mix of roasty flavors, but the chocolate doesn't overwhelm the stout. The beer is just a little tart, and has a bit of bitterness (like coffee bitterness, not the effect of hops). This beer is not sweet at all. Very tasty.
★ 456 characters
3.51/5 rDev -7.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
A - Poured an oily jet black, formed a nice finger of consistent, medium-tan head. Nice solid lacing.
S - Malts, dark chocolate and a little bit of sourness, most likely due to it being Belgian style.
T - Initial sour bite of carbonation develops into rich toasty malt. Dark bittersweet chocolate is present, but unfortunately only at the very end aftertaste and on the exhale. Drinks more like a very malty Belgian than a Belgian-style stout in my opinion.
O - It's an alright stout, nothing to write home about. Personally I'd change the name to Chocolate Belgian Dark Ale because that's more what it drinks like.
V - 22oz bomber, medium value.
★ 650 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
A - Poured an oily jet black, formed a nice finger of consistent, medium-tan head. Nice solid lacing.
S - Malts, dark chocolate and a little bit of sourness, most likely due to it being Belgian style.
T - Initial sour bite of carbonation develops into rich toasty malt. Dark bittersweet chocolate is present, but unfortunately only at the very end aftertaste and on the exhale. Drinks more like a very malty Belgian than a Belgian-style stout in my opinion.
O - It's an alright stout, nothing to write home about. Personally I'd change the name to Chocolate Belgian Dark Ale because that's more what it drinks like.
V - 22oz bomber, medium value.
★ 650 characters
3.94/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bottled 09/2103. Poured into a tulip glass. Pours a very dark brown, almost black, opaque, with a nice three finger fluffy tan head. Great lacing. Aroma is chocolate up front, with some raisin, molasses, fig, and dark roasted malt notes. The taste was nearly identical to the smell, with great chocolate flavor and some nice almost sour yeast taste. The mouthfeel was medium bodied, very smooth, with a somewhat dry finish. Overall, this was quite a nice beer, next time I'd like to try one fresh to see how the aging treated this beer.
★ 536 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bottled 09/2103. Poured into a tulip glass. Pours a very dark brown, almost black, opaque, with a nice three finger fluffy tan head. Great lacing. Aroma is chocolate up front, with some raisin, molasses, fig, and dark roasted malt notes. The taste was nearly identical to the smell, with great chocolate flavor and some nice almost sour yeast taste. The mouthfeel was medium bodied, very smooth, with a somewhat dry finish. Overall, this was quite a nice beer, next time I'd like to try one fresh to see how the aging treated this beer.
★ 536 characters
3.83/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Served in a snifter at the Union Brewhouse in Weymouth.
Appearance: A one finger mocha head was poured that reduced to a puffy layer. It is a pitch black color with no vision of anything. Spotty lacing down the glass as the beer was drank.
Smell: Spicy yeast, dark fruits, chocolate, caramel, toffee, earthy, and bready.
Taste: You pick up more flavors as it warmed up and some roasty and bitterness in there too.
Mouthfeel: Silky, creamy, smooth, medium to full bodied, and medium carbonation.
Overall: Not sure if this is a dark ale or stout, but I'm happy either way. Got better as it warmed.
★ 615 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Served in a snifter at the Union Brewhouse in Weymouth.
Appearance: A one finger mocha head was poured that reduced to a puffy layer. It is a pitch black color with no vision of anything. Spotty lacing down the glass as the beer was drank.
Smell: Spicy yeast, dark fruits, chocolate, caramel, toffee, earthy, and bready.
Taste: You pick up more flavors as it warmed up and some roasty and bitterness in there too.
Mouthfeel: Silky, creamy, smooth, medium to full bodied, and medium carbonation.
Overall: Not sure if this is a dark ale or stout, but I'm happy either way. Got better as it warmed.
★ 615 characters
4.11/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2007 Vintage Bottle poured into a stemmed Ommegang glass.
L - Poured chocolate brown with a tan head that quickly dispersed into a thin bubbly lacing.
S - Chocolate dominates in a big way followed by ripe fruit and raisin. Delicious!
T - Chocolate with a slight bitter coffee taste. Hints of ripe fruits. finishes with a slight metalic taste. Very tasty.
F - Light mouth feel, but but viscous enough to leave a slightly sticky mouth feel.
Not a stout as the name would dictate, but a very tasty Belgian Dark Ale.
★ 519 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2007 Vintage Bottle poured into a stemmed Ommegang glass.
L - Poured chocolate brown with a tan head that quickly dispersed into a thin bubbly lacing.
S - Chocolate dominates in a big way followed by ripe fruit and raisin. Delicious!
T - Chocolate with a slight bitter coffee taste. Hints of ripe fruits. finishes with a slight metalic taste. Very tasty.
F - Light mouth feel, but but viscous enough to leave a slightly sticky mouth feel.
Not a stout as the name would dictate, but a very tasty Belgian Dark Ale.
★ 519 characters
3.84/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Dark body that is about one shade under full black with a big tan head the builds and hangs around lacing the glass nice. Really gorgeous beer. Subdued smell with cocoa, dark malt, coffee and herbal notes. Taste starts off sweet, some chat notes from the malt and some sweet dark fruit notes come through. Chocolate makes a big appearance mid palate starting sweet and ending bitter with some herbal hop flavor and coffee. Mouthfeel is medium body and medium carbonation which starts active on the palate and goes fully creamy with some slight dryness. Overall I wasn't sure what to expect but this was an enjoyable beer that brought chocolate flavors with a good balance of sweet and bitter.
★ 698 characters
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Dark body that is about one shade under full black with a big tan head the builds and hangs around lacing the glass nice. Really gorgeous beer. Subdued smell with cocoa, dark malt, coffee and herbal notes. Taste starts off sweet, some chat notes from the malt and some sweet dark fruit notes come through. Chocolate makes a big appearance mid palate starting sweet and ending bitter with some herbal hop flavor and coffee. Mouthfeel is medium body and medium carbonation which starts active on the palate and goes fully creamy with some slight dryness. Overall I wasn't sure what to expect but this was an enjoyable beer that brought chocolate flavors with a good balance of sweet and bitter.
★ 698 characters
4.45/5 rDev +16.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Undated bottle at 50 degrees into snifter
Aroma of chocolate
Head large (7 cm), light brown, creamy, slowly diminishing to 2 mm layer
Lacing good – reticulum covering most of glass, bubbles varying in size
Body dark brown, opaque
Flavor begins with chocolate and slight alcohol flavor; no hops, no diacetyl.
Palate medium, creamy, soft carbonation
This is an excellent chocolate stout, of which I usually keep a couple bottles around. The appearance is very appealing – large, creamy head and good lacing atop a deliciously dark brew, topped by the alluring aroma of chocolate. The flavor is chocolaty and delicious, with only the slight taste of alcohol detracting from the pleasure. Overall, a very exquisite brew.
★ 721 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Undated bottle at 50 degrees into snifter
Aroma of chocolate
Head large (7 cm), light brown, creamy, slowly diminishing to 2 mm layer
Lacing good – reticulum covering most of glass, bubbles varying in size
Body dark brown, opaque
Flavor begins with chocolate and slight alcohol flavor; no hops, no diacetyl.
Palate medium, creamy, soft carbonation
This is an excellent chocolate stout, of which I usually keep a couple bottles around. The appearance is very appealing – large, creamy head and good lacing atop a deliciously dark brew, topped by the alluring aroma of chocolate. The flavor is chocolaty and delicious, with only the slight taste of alcohol detracting from the pleasure. Overall, a very exquisite brew.
★ 721 characters
3.69/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Picked this up on the way home one day as I was just looking for something new to try, and have been in a stout mood lately. I'm not overly fond of Ommegang offerings usually, but decided I'd give this one a try. Overall, it did not disappoint.
A: Pitch black with a small tan head.
S: The weakest property of this beer. Has a very bitter chocolaty scent, but not in a good way.
T: Does not follow the nose. The chocolate is very subtle, and the beer is very smooth.
M: Very light. Isn't overbearing, and sits very well.
O: Not what I expected at all, but still an enjoyable beer. At the pricepoint, not sure if I'd get it again, but I'm not disappointed with the purchase.
★ 678 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Picked this up on the way home one day as I was just looking for something new to try, and have been in a stout mood lately. I'm not overly fond of Ommegang offerings usually, but decided I'd give this one a try. Overall, it did not disappoint.
A: Pitch black with a small tan head.
S: The weakest property of this beer. Has a very bitter chocolaty scent, but not in a good way.
T: Does not follow the nose. The chocolate is very subtle, and the beer is very smooth.
M: Very light. Isn't overbearing, and sits very well.
O: Not what I expected at all, but still an enjoyable beer. At the pricepoint, not sure if I'd get it again, but I'm not disappointed with the purchase.
★ 678 characters
3.74/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Beer is dark ruby brown, with decent edge head, with minimal lacing. I really don't get much from the smell, there is a light chocolate hint over a raisiny backbone. The chocolate becomes more prevalent as it warms.
The taste is stronger, following the nose on the fruit end, but with more power behind it. Raisin and plum, with a light Belgian-banana hint. The chocolate is mostly missing, in my opinion. I get it in some tastes near the end, in others I miss it completely. Maybe I'm off tonight.
Overall, my first tastes of this beer cold from fridge were good. As it came to temp, the nose improved, but the taste actually started to weaken in my mind. This is a decent beer, but nothing great. I definitely wouldn't grab it if looking for a sweeter, dessert beer. But for a darker, Belgian style ale, it's worth a taste.
★ 827 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Beer is dark ruby brown, with decent edge head, with minimal lacing. I really don't get much from the smell, there is a light chocolate hint over a raisiny backbone. The chocolate becomes more prevalent as it warms.
The taste is stronger, following the nose on the fruit end, but with more power behind it. Raisin and plum, with a light Belgian-banana hint. The chocolate is mostly missing, in my opinion. I get it in some tastes near the end, in others I miss it completely. Maybe I'm off tonight.
Overall, my first tastes of this beer cold from fridge were good. As it came to temp, the nose improved, but the taste actually started to weaken in my mind. This is a decent beer, but nothing great. I definitely wouldn't grab it if looking for a sweeter, dessert beer. But for a darker, Belgian style ale, it's worth a taste.
★ 827 characters
3.77/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
Poured from bottle into a snifter
Appearance – The beer pours an almost pitch black color with a one finger of tan colored head. The head has a fantastic level of retention, slowly fading to leave a good level of lacy islands on the sides of the glass.
Smell – The aroma of the beer is heaviest of a cola aroma with a good showing of molasses and caramel. A dark chocolate aroma is there, but is overall rather light being complemented by some aromas of cream aroma. Some other darker malt smells and a little bit of a dark fruit smell of fig and prune round out the overall smell.
Taste – The taste begins with a sweeter dark roasted malt flavor with the sweet being mostly of a dark fruit consisting of plum and fig along with a big chocolate flavor. As the taste advances the fruit flavors fade all while a milk chocolate flavor, with hints of vanilla and cream, take its place. Some molasses flavors also join the tongue as the taste advances to the end, bringing an even higher level of sweetness to the brew. While the sweetness increases, the roastedness increases as well with, more roasted malt and a tiny bit of char coming to the tongue. In the end, with a little bit of earth that comes to the tongue, one is left with a quite sweet and smooth chocolate flavor to linger on the tongue.
Mouthfeel – The body of the beer is on the average side with a carbonation level that was a bit on the higher side. The body could have likely been a bit thicker with a carbonation level that would be better slightly on the lower side. After the beer sat and the carbonation dwindled some the feel was better, but overall it needed a bit more thickness.
Overall – The taste and look were quite nice –big and dark with a nice chocolate flavor, but the aroma and feel were just OK. Overall a nice beer to try, but not really worth the big bottle price of over $10.
★ 1,877 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
Poured from bottle into a snifter
Appearance – The beer pours an almost pitch black color with a one finger of tan colored head. The head has a fantastic level of retention, slowly fading to leave a good level of lacy islands on the sides of the glass.
Smell – The aroma of the beer is heaviest of a cola aroma with a good showing of molasses and caramel. A dark chocolate aroma is there, but is overall rather light being complemented by some aromas of cream aroma. Some other darker malt smells and a little bit of a dark fruit smell of fig and prune round out the overall smell.
Taste – The taste begins with a sweeter dark roasted malt flavor with the sweet being mostly of a dark fruit consisting of plum and fig along with a big chocolate flavor. As the taste advances the fruit flavors fade all while a milk chocolate flavor, with hints of vanilla and cream, take its place. Some molasses flavors also join the tongue as the taste advances to the end, bringing an even higher level of sweetness to the brew. While the sweetness increases, the roastedness increases as well with, more roasted malt and a tiny bit of char coming to the tongue. In the end, with a little bit of earth that comes to the tongue, one is left with a quite sweet and smooth chocolate flavor to linger on the tongue.
Mouthfeel – The body of the beer is on the average side with a carbonation level that was a bit on the higher side. The body could have likely been a bit thicker with a carbonation level that would be better slightly on the lower side. After the beer sat and the carbonation dwindled some the feel was better, but overall it needed a bit more thickness.
Overall – The taste and look were quite nice –big and dark with a nice chocolate flavor, but the aroma and feel were just OK. Overall a nice beer to try, but not really worth the big bottle price of over $10.
★ 1,877 characters
3/5 rDev -21.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Color- dark onyx. Head is thick and huge tinted mocha.
Aroma- deep roasted malt, coffee, chocolate, and hints of smoked meat.
Taste- The name is not accurate. Starts deeply roasted with clean charcoal notes in the middle finishing with lingering burnt coffee and 90% dark chocolate notes. Not a chocolate indulgence by any stretch of the imagination. Just an average Belgian style stout.
Poured from 750 ml corked bottle into a Liefmans Goudenband glass (my preferred all purpose beer tasting glass). Tasted on 2/2/2014.
★ 525 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Color- dark onyx. Head is thick and huge tinted mocha.
Aroma- deep roasted malt, coffee, chocolate, and hints of smoked meat.
Taste- The name is not accurate. Starts deeply roasted with clean charcoal notes in the middle finishing with lingering burnt coffee and 90% dark chocolate notes. Not a chocolate indulgence by any stretch of the imagination. Just an average Belgian style stout.
Poured from 750 ml corked bottle into a Liefmans Goudenband glass (my preferred all purpose beer tasting glass). Tasted on 2/2/2014.
★ 525 characters
3.78/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This gift from Artie2 was enjoyed outside on a brilliant Mothers Day....
Poured some of the 750ml bottle into a small tulip. It's a drense, opaque , dark brown; can't see a thing within. Head was initially about 1" but ebbed rapidly to a fine layer of mocha-hued foam. Lacing is quite attractive, sticking all over. Aroma is of cocoa powder and some roastyness. It is fairly smooth, but the body is no more than medium; was hoping for something a bit more chewy.
Flavor gives up a nice blend of some choco, cocoa and mocha. This all gives a pleasant, light level of sweetness to this offering. Delving in a bit further, I get a bit of a funky, Belgian character. Bringing things to a close, there's some floral hop action in the very dry finish. Overall, not bad though I was expecting btter from Ommegang. Prosit!
3.78/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
1645
★ 913 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This gift from Artie2 was enjoyed outside on a brilliant Mothers Day....
Poured some of the 750ml bottle into a small tulip. It's a drense, opaque , dark brown; can't see a thing within. Head was initially about 1" but ebbed rapidly to a fine layer of mocha-hued foam. Lacing is quite attractive, sticking all over. Aroma is of cocoa powder and some roastyness. It is fairly smooth, but the body is no more than medium; was hoping for something a bit more chewy.
Flavor gives up a nice blend of some choco, cocoa and mocha. This all gives a pleasant, light level of sweetness to this offering. Delving in a bit further, I get a bit of a funky, Belgian character. Bringing things to a close, there's some floral hop action in the very dry finish. Overall, not bad though I was expecting btter from Ommegang. Prosit!
3.78/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
1645
★ 913 characters
3.95/5 rDev +3.7%
Re-reviewing this one after having a second bottle with just over a year of age.
Nice dark pour with a thin mocha head which persists until the glass is empty. Subtle spice with earthy tones accompanied by a rich chocolate. Some coffee bitterness becomes present as the drink warms and dark fruits also become more noticeable. Medium mouthfeel which coats the mouth a little and is perhaps dry in it's finish.
I believe the year of age has made this bottle even better it was a delight to drink.
★ 497 characters
Re-reviewing this one after having a second bottle with just over a year of age.
Nice dark pour with a thin mocha head which persists until the glass is empty. Subtle spice with earthy tones accompanied by a rich chocolate. Some coffee bitterness becomes present as the drink warms and dark fruits also become more noticeable. Medium mouthfeel which coats the mouth a little and is perhaps dry in it's finish.
I believe the year of age has made this bottle even better it was a delight to drink.
★ 497 characters
3.38/5 rDev -11.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.5
Pours a deep, dark mahogany with reddish tinge that can be seen with light. Thin khaki head is present briefly before diminishing to soapy lacing. Dark, but noticeably lighter and less opaque than a stout. Smell has milk chocolate, prunes, almond, and light malts; a bit underwhelming. Taste is mildly hoppy up front followed by some dry baking chocolate, as well as tobacco, and belgian yeast. Feel is a little too thin for my preference, moderate carbonation.
Overall, decent beer, but a misleading one. When I read "Chocolate Indulgence", I was expecting something on the lines of Samuel Smith's "Organic Chocolate Stout" or Rouge XS Imperial Chocolate stout, which are both absolutely loaded with intense chocolate flavor. Ommegang's simply hints at chocolate, and myself and seemingly many others wanted a bit more.
★ 821 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.5
Pours a deep, dark mahogany with reddish tinge that can be seen with light. Thin khaki head is present briefly before diminishing to soapy lacing. Dark, but noticeably lighter and less opaque than a stout. Smell has milk chocolate, prunes, almond, and light malts; a bit underwhelming. Taste is mildly hoppy up front followed by some dry baking chocolate, as well as tobacco, and belgian yeast. Feel is a little too thin for my preference, moderate carbonation.
Overall, decent beer, but a misleading one. When I read "Chocolate Indulgence", I was expecting something on the lines of Samuel Smith's "Organic Chocolate Stout" or Rouge XS Imperial Chocolate stout, which are both absolutely loaded with intense chocolate flavor. Ommegang's simply hints at chocolate, and myself and seemingly many others wanted a bit more.
★ 821 characters
4.34/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
App. - Dark. Very dark pour with an extremely thick head (3/4 fingers). Much lacing present.
Smell - Not much here. Chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate.
Taste - Holy Hershey bar batman! Seriously, lots of chocolate. Milky flavor as well.
Mouth. - Smoooth. Very palatable and easy to keep drinking.
Over. - There's just so much chocolate and cream. It's a great brew that I wasn't expecting much from.
★ 407 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
App. - Dark. Very dark pour with an extremely thick head (3/4 fingers). Much lacing present.
Smell - Not much here. Chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate.
Taste - Holy Hershey bar batman! Seriously, lots of chocolate. Milky flavor as well.
Mouth. - Smoooth. Very palatable and easy to keep drinking.
Over. - There's just so much chocolate and cream. It's a great brew that I wasn't expecting much from.
★ 407 characters
3.97/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap poured into a short tulip glass. The smell was faint of dark chocolate and hint of cream. The head was a thick cream colored 1 finger that holds for a short while. The taste isn't as chocolate as the name would lead you to believe. It was tasty with a mocha light dark chocolate hint.
★ 292 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap poured into a short tulip glass. The smell was faint of dark chocolate and hint of cream. The head was a thick cream colored 1 finger that holds for a short while. The taste isn't as chocolate as the name would lead you to believe. It was tasty with a mocha light dark chocolate hint.
★ 292 characters
Chocolate Indulgence Stout from Brewery Ommegang
3.81
out of 5
based on 1,297 ratings.
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A very dark beer, not quite black, but close. Very thick and creamy head that stays around for some time, leaving a lot of lacing as it takes its time dissipating.
Smell is mainly chocolate, reminds me f the smell of chocolate cake batter.
Sweeter chocolate up front, then the bitterness kicks in, making it more like the taste of dark chocolate. The bitterness does help keep the sweetness in check, the effect is a lot like a liquid version of a dark chocolate bar.
Very smooth and creamy feel, like a very rich hot chocolate.
I would definitely classify this one as a dessert beer. The only thing keeping me from rating this higher is I feel it is a bit too bitter, Belgian styles usually tone that down a bit more. A nice beer from one of my favorite breweries, and while not among my favorites from them, still worth trying.
★ 833 characters