North Coast Brewing 'Brother Thelonious' Belgian Style Abbey Ale. 9.4% abv. 32 IBU. Dark brown-red in color. Finger of bubbly beige head. Good retention, moderate lace. Head recedes to a thick sustaining collar. Nose of sweet malt, dark fruit, bright spice, chocolate notes. Front taste of toffee, dark malt, sweet tangy citrus, spice notes, molasses on the back end. Aftertaste of prune, molasses, bittersweet dark chocolate. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is hot, clingy, small-bead carb.
This is an outstanding beer, one that pays tribute to authentic Abbey Ales, quite similar to a Chimay Première (Chimay "Red"). The complex aroma is backed by its equally complex flavor profile, offering rich malt, sweet fruits, spices, and a decadent caramelly sweetness. The brief head and lack of lace are made up for by a thick collar that remains nearly until the end, along with a creamy carb in the aftertaste. A well-crafted beer made in the tradition of old world Trappist beers. Highly recommended.
From the brewery:
"North Coast Brewing Co. is proud to partner with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in support of Jazz education. The Brewery makes a donation to the Institute for every bottle of Brother Thelonious Belgian Style Abbey Ale sold. Like a Belgian 'Dark Strong Ale,' this beer is rich and robust with an ABV of 9.3%. The package features a label picturing the Jazz master himself, and comes in either a 375 or 750 ml bottle with a traditional cork and wire finish, or 12 oz. 4-packs."
[source: northcoastbrewing.com]
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