Mikkeller Monk's Brew

Hello beer lovers and welcome to another edition of the NorCal Beer Blog's brew review.

Tonight’s featured beer is Mikkeller Monk's Brew. 

From their distributors, Shelton Brothers, website: “During Mikkeller's travels through Belgium, they were inspired by the country's anti-commercial, independent Trappist breweries. More specifically, the classic Rochefort and Westvleteren monasteries.

From these enchanting, traditional, classic breweries Monk’s Brew arose. It is a dark Belgian ale with a dominant yeast character and deliciously malty body. Well-balanced and distinguished, the beer's characteristic high alcohol content never takes over, and the beer is amazingly smooth and drinkable.

Not so amazingly, actually, coming from Mikkeller. Balance is what they do best. Monk's Brew is no exception. Great paired with prayer and meditation, a classic novel read by a fire, or good conversation with friends.”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours a deep dark brown with ruby edges, a dense and large tan head and thin lacing.

Aroma: Candy sugar, dark fruits (with raisins being dominant), roasted and caramel malts and spices.

Taste: Dark cherries, raisins, caramel malt, cinnamon and finishing with a nice hop bitterness to balance this beer nicely.  There’s an alcohol warmth throughout, but not overly so.

Overall: A very drinkable and enjoyable beer, Mikkeller’s Monk's Brew is one that I would certainly purchase again.  At 10% ABV this is to be savored and sipped, not gulped.  I’d like to age a few of these for sure!

Cheers!

Mark Harvey