Modern Monks

This was somehow brought to the attention of the Monks. We thought it was worth passing on…just remember, though, you can’t believe everything you read…
Drink Better Beer

Bus Trip Update

We will leave from the Sam’s Club parking lot April 19 at 11:30. Please be there by 11:15 as we need to leave promptly. We will use a corner of the lot closest to 27^th Street. We will be in Grand Island for a tour of the Modern Monks Brewery by 1:00 p.m. We will depart around 3:15 p.m. and head to Kearney where we will stay until 8:30 p.m. and return to Lincoln by 10:30 p.m.

In Kearney you can visit Thunderhead and Platte Valley breweries and weather permitting the beer garden at Platte Valley. There will be prizes, treats and food and drink specials. Feel free to bring beer or snacks on the bus. The cost is $40 per person. Food and drink at the breweries is extra. Tickets are on sale now.

Checks should be made payable to Modern Monks. Tickets by mail to Modern Monks, 2630 S 13^th, Lincoln NE 68502.

See you there!

 A BJCP judge shares his take on the Modern Monks’ Arctic Storm. Please note that the beer does not pretend to be something it isn’t. It is brewed to be drank, not judged by style guidelines. However, it is interesting to see it put into such a context. Thanks for sharing, Lash. We encourage others to do the same. Critical thought is most welcome. Commence notes now:

Tasting notes for non-beer geeks.
Arctic Storm: This reddish brown beer is the perfect accompaniment to hearty vegetarian dishes that use lots of lentils or barley. Each sip yields a mystery. Is this beer a little sweet or a little dry - you decide - it might vary with your food choice. Do you taste hints of prunes and currants? Do you taste a hint of juicy fruit gum? Do you taste raw wheat? All good stuff. The aroma is slightly spicy - not like a typical beer - but an aroma somewhat familiar. What is that bouquet?? Is it a Christmas cookie? Is it warm clean laundry? Is it cough syrup? With this beer there is no right answer - just enjoy

Tasting Notes for beer geeks - I am treating this beer like a Dubbel for tasting purposes

Aroma. My beer is a little too cold. Decidedly Belgian. Spicy and strong. Crisp phenol character. Outstanding use of a stylistically appropriate yeast.

Appearance. Hazy. I might have expected a beer with this big grain bill to drop a little clearer. This probably isn’t a flaw because several trappist brews look like mud, but I always assumed that this was because of bottle-carbonation. This is probably a by-product of yeast choice so the trade off with aroma is probably a good trade-off.

Mouthfeel. Oh Yeah! Perfect example of the “Belgian” mouthfeel. Slight alcohol sting, with deceptively light body. Medium high carbonation persists.

Taste. Initial hit of dark stone fruits quickly gives way to a distinct caramel flavor. Interesting phenols - slightly medicinal, but still approachable.

Overall Perception. I like this beer very much. I think that the authentic mouthfeel in a Belgian is very difficult to achieve. Nicely done. I like the prune/plum flavors early in the flavor. Very well brewed. I would do nothing different.

Notes for the Monks

I have done several Dubbel side by side blind tastings over the years. Artic Storm would hold its own with Ommegang, Trois Pistole, and Westmalle. And it would blow away Chimay Red Cap, and that atrocious New Belgian Dubbel.

Matt - I was just flippin’ you crap about the Special B/sugar balance. Yes - you and I would both prefer a more malt based beer, but this balance really worked well. You need that sugar to create the Belgian mouthfeel. I enjoyed your stories about the monasteries. We need to get together sometime to discuss more.