From Brewery Ommegang: In Greek mythology, Aphrodite rises from the foam of the waves of the sea, enchanting all who see her, inciting thoughts of love and desire where ever she goes. We could hardly say it more eloquently. Our Limited Edition Aphrodite Ale is ethereal, intriguing and mysterious – as the Goddess Aphrodite must have been. Aphrodite has champagne-like carbonation, much as the foam of the waves of the sea. Plus enchanting flavors with whispers of raspberry and pear, and hints of funk and tartness created by the Brett yeast.
The refreshing dryness comes from the unusual combination of Ommegang and Brett yeasts, and incites feelings of love and thirst, though we don’t know about lust. Grains of paradise are infused into the nectar, and when poured Aphrodite is a deep rose color crowned with a luxuriously shimmering pink head.
Ommegang Aphrodite is an uncommon ale, even by Ommegang’s ambitious standards. It’s a strong Belgian-style fruit beer (8.9% abv) that is also tart and ever-so-slightly funky — from the use of Brettanomyces yeast in fermentation. Aphrodite is brewed with Pils and Carapils malts, hopped with Celeia hops, fermented with both Ommegang house yeast and Brettanomyces, and spiced with Grains of Paradise. The natural fruit juices are raspberry and pear. The beer was aged up to two months before packaging.
Aphrodite is available nationally on draft and in 750 ml bottles, beginning in early August 2011. As an Ommegang Limited Edition Ale the supply will last about three months, at which point Ommegang’s 2011 Limited Edition Adoration Special Winter Ale will be released. Ommegang brews four limited edition beers, six year-round beers and occasional one-offs.
