Mike's Beer of the Week

Beer Information

Brewery: Founders Brewing Company

Beer Name: Blushing Monk

Beer Style: Fruit Beer

Abv.: 12.3%

Serving Glassware: Tulip, Flute, Wine Glass

Serving Temp.: 40-45 deg. F. (BeerAdvocate.com)

Local Availability: Very limited (found mine at T&V)

Pairings: Dessert (Vanilla Ice Cream, Cheese Cake)

www.mustlovebeer.com

Mike's Ratings (1-5)

Overall Grade/Rate: A+/4.58

Appearance:4

Aroma: 5

Taste: 4.5

Mouthfeel: 4.5

Drinkability: 4.5

BeerAdvocate Avg. Rate: A-/4.15

Mike's Description

Thanks to Steve for enjoying and splitting the cost of this rare beer with me in Cape Cod (the reason I was not able to make an entry last wednesday)!  This may be the only time I ever try this beer due to its rarity and expensive price (~$18).

Appearance- Whoaaa...very...red. It appears similar to cranberry juice, but carbonated. 1/4" pink head dissipates quickly leaving faint lacing on the wine glass.

Aroma- Pure raspberries...the smell makes me a little uneasy about its potential sweetness...hopefully not jolly rancher juice. Zero hop presentation and slightly malty. Some cherry is present here as well.

Taste- Fantastic...if a raspberry beer is what you're looking for. Not as sweet as it smells, but definitely a sweet beer. Since the sweetness does not drown out the other characteristics as I thought it might, the complex Belgian notes can be deciphered. Some cotton candy and cherry are here too.

Mouthfeel- The raspberry lingers in the aftertaste along with a minute cherry character. Not too strong like most fruited beverages and the alcohol is completely masked.

Drinkability- Great beer if a steeped raspberry character is what you're searching for...not at all overdone. If you prefer a Lindemans extremely sweet and syrupy beer, this one is probably not for you.