On Tap is a regular column featuring our recommendations on the most unique new draft beer offerings from local pubs.
Our Recommendation: Ommegang Rare Vos
Where: Kildare’s Irish Pub, 18 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380
One of the best things about Kildare’s is the layout of their beer menu. It’s a joy to peruse, noting which beers are available in each category and which beers are available on draft. The menu also clearly describes the mixed beers such as a Black and Tan, a Dirty Hoe, or a Blacksmith. During a recent cool summer evening, we sat out front for a bite to eat and I took my time reviewing the available selection.
I decided to give the Ommegang Rare Vos a go. This is a Belgian Amber Ale and it was brought out a nice thick head of foam and looked a marvelous shade of amber. My first sip reminded me of a saison, with fruity notes and and a complex character. It was a flavorful ale, enjoyable to drink during the fading days of summer.
Only after reading about the ale in more detail the next day, did I realize it’s a spiced ale, “with sweet orange peel, grains of paradise, coriander.” The combination of these spices worked well together. Although the taste was complex, there was no overriding spice—it was all quite balanced and delicious. I guess that’s why Rare Vos won the Gold Award for Belgian Style Pale Ales at the 2012 World Beer Cup. Rare Vos comes in at 6.5% ABV.
Ommegang is brewed in Cooperstown, New York, and has specialized in Belgian-style ales since they launched back in 1997. Their brewery is open for tours and tastings, which would definitely enhance and baseball and/or lakeside vacation upstate. In the meantime, if you can’t make that drive. Check out Rare Vos at Kildare’s, while it lasts.
