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I didn't remember that I had done a review of the Mellow Monks beer. This is, I presume, a derivation of that. Strangely, my review ended by me saying that the Mellow Monks was not particularly memorable. And, indeed, I forgot about it. Looking back at the review, it appears that I thought that it was average, as I gave it a 2.5 out of 5. I'm hoping that this one gets significantly better, or I don't know what I am to do with this brewery.
It pours a little darker than its sibling, so it's kind of an orangey yellow. The head does not want to come out, and that's not particularly unusual for Belgian ales, especially ones that have been allowed to produce 9.3% ABV. The aroma is pretty good, as the Belgian yeast is very forward, and frequent readers of this site will note that I tend to particularly enjoy beers that use Belgian yeast. I'm hoping to enjoy this one.
First sip has sweetness on the front end that is strange and somewhat discombobulating. The juxtaposition with the tangy and bitter second half of the beer is disjointed, but a sip is not a particularly good way to test a beer of Belgian descent. Yes, it was actually made in Pennsylvania, but we all know where the yeast is coming from. Perhaps a full swig will bring things into proper focus.
Tip-in is slightly tart and sweet nectarine and pomegranate with mild carbonation tingle. The middle is far too carbonated, as the taste of the beer submarines under the fizzy carbonation, and the mouth is left dry as a result. The finish is...off. I don't know how more accurately to say that the tartness turns a little sour, and the alcohol surges to disrupt any good flavors from trying to take over.
Bottom Line: I'm not as merry as the monks.
1.5/5
