Brouwerij Van Steenberge Monk's Cafe

**Aroma:** “A pleasant, light aroma that doesn’t overpower in any one area. Yeast aromatics are a touch more saison-like (some nice pepper and spice notes) than classically dubbel. Light spicy hops aroma complements yeast phenolics. As it starts to warm more esters (cherry or peach) start to come out and less spice.” **Flavor:** “A rounded malt foundation of toffee and raisins gives way to an unusual, but pleasantly different suit of fruit (bananas, cherries, plums) and spice (cloves). Some crisp hops bitterness to balance. Finishes dry.” **Overall:** “Spicy with a low malt complexity and a good balance of sweetness. Very drinkable. This could easily fly under the radar in a sea of competitors, but this pleasant little dubbel-esque saison quenches one’s thirst as readily as it quenches the need for something from the abbey. Perhaps this is what the monks drink when they mow the lawn?”

**Aroma:** “Blackberry and quite a bit of higher alcohols. Brett notes add goaty and barnyard aromas with some spicy phenolics. High sour notes up front with a touch of malt sweetness. Sour dimin- ishes after the first impression leaving just a touch of sour with a medium amount of cherry notes.” **Flavor:** “Flavors of tart green apple and lemon. Some barnyard and a touch of acetic. Strong yet smooth lactic flavor lends a moderate-high sourness up front with an almost sour-candy-like note that fades quickly into a dry finish. Little to no malt character, medium body, and a crisp acidic finish. No alcohol bite but a slight tart, acidic bite as it warmed up.” **Overall:** “Very enjoyable with a crisp carbonic bite, smooth lactic sourness, and medium cherry notes. Flavor is a bit too dominantly sour without enough malt to balance. The sourness creates a slight puckering effect in the back of my mouth.”

**Aroma:** “Thick chewy vanilla, moderate rich dark chocolate, touch of roast, moderate vanilla, woodsy earthiness. Strong coffee provides a nice backbone. Coconut and dried fruit add some nice complexity. Smells sweet and inviting with some mild alcohol.” **Flavor:** “Tastes like a fresh brownie hot out of the oven with the same thick chewy vanilla and chocolate present in the aroma. It is creamy, with just enough carb to make everything pop. Strong coffee notes, moderate sharp roast, caramel sweetness, and oak tannins. Coconut and spicy alcohol round it out.” **Overall:** “Good full-bodied imperial stout with a touch of warming, light barrel complexities, and a bit of oak tannins. Loved it. It hits all the right notes without being overpowering or heavy-handed. A very balanced beer.”