Brewer Q & A (Issue 22)

91 Rating – Brewery Ommegang – Rosetta

Responses from Ommegang brewmaster Phil Leinhart.

Who came up with this beer's recipe?
Rosetta is a blend of two beers that have existed for a long time. The resulting beer is more about the blend and the process than the recipes. I, along with two other Ommegang brewers, determined the blend.

What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)? 
The balance between sweetness and tartness.

Where does this beer’s name come from? 
It is a tribute to Rosa Mercx, a former brewmaster at Liefmans and the first female brewmaster in Belgium.

Is this your "desert island beer?"
One of them!

Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Slightly fruity, tart and sweet. A perfectly balanced, drinkable sour.

Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
The inspiration for Rosetta was Ommegang Zuur. For Zuur I traveled to Belgium and spent a day at Liefmans creating and tasting different blends to come up with the final one. For Rosetta, Liefmans sent us a keg of Oud Bruin and we experimented with Kriek Brut here in Cooperstown to create Rosetta.