Gonna visit Ommegang!

[FedoraDave]

Last night I made an overnight reservation for rooms in Cooperstown. We're kicking off our vacation this year with an overnight trip. We love Cooperstown and the HoF, and SWMBO also wants to visit the Farmer's Museum, which is also an interesting place. And, of course, I'm going to stop in at Brewery Ommegang. Even if they don't have a tour going on when I'm there, I want to pick up a bottle or two of something.

Any suggestions?

[Beer-lord]

You might like their Hop House--a Belgian style Pale Ale. I'm not crazy about Belgians but it is a little different and a great summer beer.
Other than that, I've only had a few of their limited releases, namely some of the Game of Thrones beers which I wasn't elated about though some were better than others.

Enjoy your vacation. You're starting off right!

[Dawg LB Steve]

Stopped on the way home from Boston area last summer, was going to stay in Cooperstown, $240 a night, we spent the day there, then went up near Syracuse to stay overnight. Did Ommegang first then the HoF. The brewery tour is short and sweet, the tasting room is good, you get 5 or 6 small taste of their brews and explanations of their styles, hops and spices. I really liked their Rare Vos and the Three Philosophers, but its a strong one. Very nice restaurant too.

[mashani]

There isn't an Ommegang beer I don't like. But I tend to drink more Rare Vos and Hennepin then anything else if that helps?

[FedoraDave]

I've had the Abbey Ale. It went great with the ribs I barbecued on Labor Day that year! I may reserve my choice for after I've had some samples, if I'm able. I've heard good things about the Rare Vos. I should also look at their website and see if they have descriptions of their offerings.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[Crazy Climber]

I know you're not looking for food recommendations, Dave, and I'm sure there's plenty of great places to eat right in Cooperstown. But I know you're a BBQ fan, so I have to throw this out there:
Brooks' House of BBQ in Oneonta, NY. Probably 20 miles south of the HoF. Family-owned for three generations. Home of the largest indoor charcoal pit east of the Mighty Mississip. Their barbecue (especially the chicken) is legendary in that neck of the woods. Alas, no liquor license, AFAIK.
Best vinegar-based chicken BBQ sauce I have had (with the possible exception of my own recipe).

[BigPapaG]

Try the Glimmerglass...

The Hennepin...

And the Rare Vos

And bring home as many types as you can!

[FedoraDave]

Thanks for the recommendation, Crazy Climber. Thing is, neither my wife nor my son are big BBQ fans. SWMBO might go for the chicken, but unless they have plain hamburgers, the bhoy-o won't consider it. I'll suggest it, though; we might want to go there for dinner Monday night.

[mashani]

I'm not crazy about Belgians

Heretic!

Stay away from my house in the summer. All I brew for 3-4 months out of the year are Belgians and Saisons. If I lived where you live, I'd probably brew nothing but Belgians and Saisons 8 months out of the year LOL.

[FedoraDave]

Now, now, boys, play nice.

I like Belgians and Saisons as a change of pace from my usual ales, which are mostly IPAs, APAs, Pale Ales, with the occasional Irish Red thrown in. I just don't have all that much experience with them, so I'm looking forward to enjoying the Ommegang experience.

[John Sand]

Don't miss the Rare Vos, it's amazing.

[Banjo-guy]

I toured that brewery last year. It's pretty big and really well run.
They have a really nice inexpensive Belgian Cafe and a tasting room.
Have fun!

[Beer-lord]

I meant the people from Belgia.
OK, mashani, here's a deal. Send me one of your best all grain recipes for a Belgian, I'll brew it and then send you a few.
It's not that I hate them, just aren't crazy about them. It's not like kealia who HATES DARK BEER. I'll drink a Belgian and have really been thinking about a hoppy Saison in late August.

[berryman]

Dave I am envious, I've been thinking of taking a ride out there for a while. It's about a 4 1/2 - 5 hr. drive for me and I have been out that way before. How far for you? I love their Abby Ale, I have them on my Farcebook and get updates all the time from them. Have fun and report back.

[FedoraDave]

Berry, it's about a 4 hour drive for us, too. That's why we're staying overnight. But it's such beautiful country, and we haven't been the HoF in a couple of years, so it'll be nice to get back.