21st Amendment Brewery
San Francisco, CA USA
12 oz can
Monk's Blood is a Belgian strong dark ale, coming at 8.3% ABV, brewed with Belgian Candi sugar, cinnamon, vanilla bean, dried figs, and aged on oak. Part of the occasional release "Insurrection Series", this beer is a once a year release that is, unfortunately, going on an indefinite hiatus after the 2012 release.
Pours a deep and dark crimson red. About an inch of head forms that quickly recedes to a thin layer that sticks around for the duration. On your first sip, the cinnamon makes its presence know right away, hitting the tongue quickly. The sweetness comes next and quickly behind comes the dark fruit flavors from the figs and a surprisingly big amount of oak. The oak lingers in the mouth along with a slight hoppy finish, both of which are around long after the swallow. A slight warming is present courtesy of the alcohol.
This is a very tasty release that puts a distinct twist on a traditional Belgian style brew thanks to the oak aging and the hops. Great balance of the flavors, with everything mingling well. I would definitely recommend picking up a can or two while it is around, becouse there is no telling when this may be available again. One of my favorites from 21st Amendment!
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