Samuel

It’s Friday, and I’m sitting down to enjoy a Brother Thelonious Belgian style abbey ale from North Coast Brewing. And I realize, it’s been months since I’ve posted my Friday tasting notes. So I’m taking advantage of the moment to share.

My first impression of this chestnut colored ale is that it’s really, really carbonated. Too carbonated for my taste. It bites at the insides of my mouth as I sip it. This it too bad, because there is a lot happening in this beer flavor-wise that’s getting hidden behind the sharp bubblyness. Malty, chocolate, and fruity. That characteristic sweetness from Belgian yeasts. And a finish that’s surprisingly dry and refreshing.

For an American rendition of a Belgian ale, this stands up surprisingly well (on par with 3 Philosophers). It also lives up to it’s name, and like the mysterious liquid perfection of Monk’s piano playing (not one wrong note, not one) it is eminently drinkable.

I would say that the brewers have successfully done my work for me in terms of providing an anthropomorphism of this beer. It is, in fact, Brother Thelonious in his dark shades with his stoic face and his pious glass of dark ale, is the perfect personification of this ale.

I give this beer three and a half out of five stars, having lost one whole star for being far too bubbly.

Until next time.