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

 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.

It is official.  The new Modern Monks beer is called Arctic Storm.  The perfect beer to keep you going through the last blast of winter.  8.5% ABV will keep you warm.  Don’t drink too much, though, because you’ll get drunk.

Back in December, the Monks made a somewhat harrowing voyage to Grand Island to brew a new beer. A storm had hit and was just starting to rage at 6.30am. By the time two of us traveling monks reached Milford, we were feeling rather uncomfortable with the journey.  We turned around and decided to try it out again the next day. Good thing we did, as Sunday was sunny and we saw 3 cars past Milford that had either flipped or ended up in the median.

The beer was supposed to be a strong amber with a certain caramel character to it.  We thought the yeast we had on hand would be as great in a darker malt loaded beer as it is in the golden hoppy Brothers’ Cup. We used some darker malts in this, as well as some Demerara sugar to help move it in the caramelly direction. The beer is clocking in someplace around 8.5%, and the samples so far have been quite enjoyable. The beer is smooth and malty with some nice caramel and fruity notes. The strength is well hidden. The overall palate of the beer is quite light, making it feel like a session strength brown ale or something…dangerously drinkable.

The real challenge has been coming up with a name for this one off batch. Bob, Ryan, and Bob went to work brainstorming one evening and produced the above list.  For all you brewers out there reading this, don’t even think about stealing any of these gems. We will sue you.

Look for the beer, whatever it is called, to be available in the next 3-4 weeks at your favorite Modern Monks pub.