Monday Night Brewing Ante Meridiem

Aroma: “Grapefruit and lemon dominate up front. Light hay character. Slight herbal character is really nice. Slight dank character is present. A bit of green tea in there as well.” Flavor: “Lovely flavor of tropical overripe pineapple and grapefruit. Really nice malt character with some nice hops bitterness that lingers but falls off rather quickly. Really nice sweetness that gives a good balance. What makes a killer beer—it’s all about the mouthfeel, and they nailed it.” Overall: “An excellent contemporary IPA.”

**Aroma:** “Very nice sweet malt character. Inviting oak aroma up front comes through as vanilla and a hint of almond or toffee. The vanilla is very nice and the chocolate notes (coming through as semisweet and dark chocolate) come through great. Nice roasty and some nutty quality, with some coffee flavors in the back. Bourbon, dark cherry, dark roast, alcohol.. Earthy hops low but noticeable. Light fruity yeast character.” **Flavor:** Lots of chocolate and vanilla carry through from start to finish and are complex and full. Dark fruity notes/cherry esters. Roast and malt character add a good back to the malt sweetness with some good toasty/roast quality. The oak (almost like almond or toffee) adds complexity and shines well; it mellows out the edges. The bourbon and oak blend well, but don’t dominate. Nice warmth in the finish. Vanilla and caramel are in full force but not cloying or annoying. Hops bitterness is appropriately low to make room for the major wood. Alcohol is noticeable but smooth and dangerous.” **Overall:** “The beer is a surprisingly balanced and complex stout that showcases sweet malt, vanilla, and chocolate really well with some nice dark fruit characters. The barrel character was showcased well, and the beer backed up the barrel. Nice and smooth and came together great. Tons of chocolate and vanilla with a restrained roasty character that helps to balance. Definitely seek this one out and share with friends.”

Aroma: “Lots of oak, almost soapy with a floral, herbaceous note. Subtle fruity tartness with earthy notes that blend with the fruit to produce an overall subtle but rich aroma.” Flavor: “Rich vinous cherry character, reminiscent of a semisweet red wine. Some oxidation that pairs well with the oak-barrel character. Finish is lightly tart, juicy cherry character. Comes across a bit flat despite a significant head initially.” Overall: “Distinctive as a kriek. Heavy on a ripe cherry character with an aged-barrel quality, though it’s not overly sweet. Wine-like complexity, with a finish that highlights the oak and sweeter aspects of the fruit.”