21st Amendment Brewery- Monk's Blood: So Much Burn, the Blood May Boil.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 6:33PM | by Steve 
I recently returned from the Craft Brewers Conference in San Francisco and while I was in the city by the bay I made my way over to 21st Amendment Brewery. I was seated along with Ken McMullen from Limestone Brewing Company, Dale Lewis from Finnegan’s Irish Pub, Shannon McGrath from Oskar Blues, and her sister Erin. We sampled some of the food and several beers. As we got ready to leave, I got a four-pack of Monk’s Blood Belgian-Style Dark Ale to take home.
Monk’s Blood pours with a small but frothy off-white head which lingers for awhile before falling toward the edge of the glass. The color is reddish-brown, and the aroma has some banana, brown sugar, cinnamon, and Belgian yeast. The most dominant flavor/sensation that I get is the burn of fusel alcohols. What I have listed in the aroma is subtly noticeable in the flavor, but a pushed way in the background. I have read other reviews of this brew where among the comments are that it is overly sweet which I did not find to be the case. I couldn’t much get past the alcohol burn.
I’m sitting here with half a glass left and am having a hard time fighting through it. I am a huge fan of Belgian Beers and this particular style is one of my favorites however I think a bit of age would be in order to smooth it out. I’ve given most of my four-pack away, but I wish that I had one more that I could cellar until next year to see if my opinion would change. I have loved every beer I have had from 21A and am left wondering if I fell victim to a overlooked batch. Try it for yourself and tell me what you think.
ABV: 8.3%
Consumed: Mother Earth Pint Glass
Verdict: Bum one from a friend
