Brother Thelonious | North Coast Brewing Co.
Brewed by:
North Coast Brewing Co.
California, United States
northcoastbrewing.com
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 9.40%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
"Vital Statistics
Style: Belgian Style Strong Dark
Color: Dark mahogany
ABV: 9.4%
Bitterness: 32 IBU's"
Added by sloejams on 05-04-2006
Ratings: 3,011 | Reviews: 1,056
Reviews by Stunner97:
More User Reviews:
4.7/5 rDev +24%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
I was very impressed with this one. Plus, being a jazz guy, I was into it just from the label. It poured easy, showing a dark amber color with a slight head to top it off. Right off, you can smell the fruit (banana). The taste isn't too heavy and actually quite enjoyable with the alcohol hidden in the background. No strong bite, just great flavors (dark malts, fruit and slight floral). The feel was smooth and easy. Sitting at a 9.4%, this is a great sipping beer. I had it with a vegan pizza. Went well together.
516 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
I was very impressed with this one. Plus, being a jazz guy, I was into it just from the label. It poured easy, showing a dark amber color with a slight head to top it off. Right off, you can smell the fruit (banana). The taste isn't too heavy and actually quite enjoyable with the alcohol hidden in the background. No strong bite, just great flavors (dark malts, fruit and slight floral). The feel was smooth and easy. Sitting at a 9.4%, this is a great sipping beer. I had it with a vegan pizza. Went well together.
516 characters
4.24/5 rDev +11.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Appearance This is a solid brown in color with a rather smallish head on a hard pour.
Smell The deep, rich yeast is always my favorite and made up for the lack of a good appearance. Its dark and doughy and dominates the nose.
Taste The big malty yeast comes out in spades at the taste. It is very bready like undercooked toast. Theres a light yeasty sweetness as well.
Mouthfeel This is big in the mouth but shy of full-bodied. The carbonation is light and tickling on the cheeks. It shows a light bitterness just at the very end as youre walking away from the glass.
Drinkability This is my kind of BSDA. Its big but not gianormous, heavy on the yeast, and goes down smoothly.
712 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Appearance This is a solid brown in color with a rather smallish head on a hard pour.
Smell The deep, rich yeast is always my favorite and made up for the lack of a good appearance. Its dark and doughy and dominates the nose.
Taste The big malty yeast comes out in spades at the taste. It is very bready like undercooked toast. Theres a light yeasty sweetness as well.
Mouthfeel This is big in the mouth but shy of full-bodied. The carbonation is light and tickling on the cheeks. It shows a light bitterness just at the very end as youre walking away from the glass.
Drinkability This is my kind of BSDA. Its big but not gianormous, heavy on the yeast, and goes down smoothly.
712 characters
3.94/5 rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Enjoyed from the 750 ml bottle in a snifter. Named after one of the greats of jazz, and a personal favorite along with Brubeck whom I was fortunate enough to see in concert.
Brother Thelonious pours a deep reddish brown with a moderate off white head of foam that dissipates to a thick ring and light lacing. Nose of raisins, light brown sugar and caramel, earthy ester powered yeasty goodness, some roasted grain notes, and strong alcohol. Flavors are lightly sweet to the front and sides with a spiciness to the rear from mildly bittering hops blending in nicely with the earthy Belgian yeast. Sweet malts, raisins, and brown sugar are lightly overpowered by the spiciness of the yeast and a mild hop bitterness. The ale finishes lightly dry with a muted sweet aftertaste, and lively carbonated mouth feel. Very nice. The Monk would of been impressed.
Cheers
868 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Enjoyed from the 750 ml bottle in a snifter. Named after one of the greats of jazz, and a personal favorite along with Brubeck whom I was fortunate enough to see in concert.
Brother Thelonious pours a deep reddish brown with a moderate off white head of foam that dissipates to a thick ring and light lacing. Nose of raisins, light brown sugar and caramel, earthy ester powered yeasty goodness, some roasted grain notes, and strong alcohol. Flavors are lightly sweet to the front and sides with a spiciness to the rear from mildly bittering hops blending in nicely with the earthy Belgian yeast. Sweet malts, raisins, and brown sugar are lightly overpowered by the spiciness of the yeast and a mild hop bitterness. The ale finishes lightly dry with a muted sweet aftertaste, and lively carbonated mouth feel. Very nice. The Monk would of been impressed.
Cheers
868 characters
4.11/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured into Carolus chalice. Nice walnut color, impressive head for such a high percentage. Smells sweet, winey, tangy and floral, which gets exciting right before the scent vanishes. Very malty taste, with a nice sour bite, a bit buttery, roasted notes, alcohol present, like bourbon even. Has good body, a little buttery, with a thin ending somehow, and slightly funky aftertaste. Better than a corporate dubbel from Belgium.
427 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured into Carolus chalice. Nice walnut color, impressive head for such a high percentage. Smells sweet, winey, tangy and floral, which gets exciting right before the scent vanishes. Very malty taste, with a nice sour bite, a bit buttery, roasted notes, alcohol present, like bourbon even. Has good body, a little buttery, with a thin ending somehow, and slightly funky aftertaste. Better than a corporate dubbel from Belgium.
427 characters
4/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 ounce bottle into tulip glass, bottled on 1/22/2015. Pours clear dark reddish brown color with 2 finger dense khaki head with good retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Nice spotty soapy lacing clings around the glass. Aromas of big raisin, prune, fig, cherry, date, banana, pepper, clove, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, molasses, toasted dark bread, light nuttiness, and yeast/toasted earthiness. Damn nice aromas with great complexity and balance of fruity/spicy yeast and dark/bready malt notes; with great strength. Taste of big raisin, prune, fig, cherry, date, banana, pepper, clove, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, molasses, toasted dark bread, light nuttiness, and yeast/toasted earthiness. Fair amount of yeast spiciness and light tartness on the finish; with lingering notes of raisin, prune, fig, cherry, date, banana, pepper, clove, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, molasses, toasted dark bread, light nuttiness, and yeast/toasted earthiness on the finish for a while. Damn nice complexity, robustness, and balance of fruity/spicy yeast and dark/bready malt flavors; with a great malt/yeast balance and zero cloying sweetness after the finish. Light-moderate dryness from yeast spice as well. Medium carbonation and medium-full body; with a very smooth, moderately creamy/bready, and lightly slick/sticky mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a light warmth lingering after the finish. Overall this is a damn nice Belgian strong dark ale. All around great complexity, robustness, and balance of fruity/spicy yeast and dark/bready malt flavors; and very smooth and easy to sip on for the big ABV. A very enjoyable offering.
1,670 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12 ounce bottle into tulip glass, bottled on 1/22/2015. Pours clear dark reddish brown color with 2 finger dense khaki head with good retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Nice spotty soapy lacing clings around the glass. Aromas of big raisin, prune, fig, cherry, date, banana, pepper, clove, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, molasses, toasted dark bread, light nuttiness, and yeast/toasted earthiness. Damn nice aromas with great complexity and balance of fruity/spicy yeast and dark/bready malt notes; with great strength. Taste of big raisin, prune, fig, cherry, date, banana, pepper, clove, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, molasses, toasted dark bread, light nuttiness, and yeast/toasted earthiness. Fair amount of yeast spiciness and light tartness on the finish; with lingering notes of raisin, prune, fig, cherry, date, banana, pepper, clove, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, molasses, toasted dark bread, light nuttiness, and yeast/toasted earthiness on the finish for a while. Damn nice complexity, robustness, and balance of fruity/spicy yeast and dark/bready malt flavors; with a great malt/yeast balance and zero cloying sweetness after the finish. Light-moderate dryness from yeast spice as well. Medium carbonation and medium-full body; with a very smooth, moderately creamy/bready, and lightly slick/sticky mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a light warmth lingering after the finish. Overall this is a damn nice Belgian strong dark ale. All around great complexity, robustness, and balance of fruity/spicy yeast and dark/bready malt flavors; and very smooth and easy to sip on for the big ABV. A very enjoyable offering.
1,670 characters
3.53/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
I'm unfamiliar with the style, purchased two bottles because I love Old Rasputin. Pours a reddish brown with a small khaki head. That fades quickly. Aroma is very fruity, Apple's and berries mostly. Flavor is similar. Creamy mouthfeel, ABV is well hidden. It's an OK beer, I'm glad I tried it, but probably will leave it on the shelf next time. I'll stick with Old Rasputin.
374 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
I'm unfamiliar with the style, purchased two bottles because I love Old Rasputin. Pours a reddish brown with a small khaki head. That fades quickly. Aroma is very fruity, Apple's and berries mostly. Flavor is similar. Creamy mouthfeel, ABV is well hidden. It's an OK beer, I'm glad I tried it, but probably will leave it on the shelf next time. I'll stick with Old Rasputin.
374 characters
3.52/5 rDev -7.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.9/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
I settle down on the warmest afternoon of the year so far with one Brother, as I wait for my own to arrive from Boston. The note on the bottle couldn't be more fitting: "CARPE DIEM VITA BREVIS." Life is short, seize the day.
It pours a very hazy auburn brown with a finger of tan head that thins out, not quite covering the chalice. The bubbles are very fine and foamy. Lacing is sparse, but it gets extra points for having such a cool bottle and label.
Caramel is most prevalent in the aroma but it is complemented by fruity esters, raisin and prune. Some earthy, woody hops are involved. With warmth, buttery notes show up, and finally some booziness when you get to the dregs.
Raisin, prune and caramel again on the tongue, but in that order. It's a bit sour but not very bitter, and this eases up a little as you drink more of it, or have a bite of cheese (I'm having muenster). Earthy hops are there as well.
The hops add an abundant spiciness to the mouthfeel. It's very light-bodied for such a strong beer and the only thing really keeping me from chugging it down is the sourness. I'm not overly familiar with the style but I'm sure the sour characteristic was intended. The alcohol itself isn't very noticeable but there is a sharp acidity that can be a little overbearing. Overall pretty enjoyable.
1,312 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
I settle down on the warmest afternoon of the year so far with one Brother, as I wait for my own to arrive from Boston. The note on the bottle couldn't be more fitting: "CARPE DIEM VITA BREVIS." Life is short, seize the day.
It pours a very hazy auburn brown with a finger of tan head that thins out, not quite covering the chalice. The bubbles are very fine and foamy. Lacing is sparse, but it gets extra points for having such a cool bottle and label.
Caramel is most prevalent in the aroma but it is complemented by fruity esters, raisin and prune. Some earthy, woody hops are involved. With warmth, buttery notes show up, and finally some booziness when you get to the dregs.
Raisin, prune and caramel again on the tongue, but in that order. It's a bit sour but not very bitter, and this eases up a little as you drink more of it, or have a bite of cheese (I'm having muenster). Earthy hops are there as well.
The hops add an abundant spiciness to the mouthfeel. It's very light-bodied for such a strong beer and the only thing really keeping me from chugging it down is the sourness. I'm not overly familiar with the style but I'm sure the sour characteristic was intended. The alcohol itself isn't very noticeable but there is a sharp acidity that can be a little overbearing. Overall pretty enjoyable.
1,312 characters
3/5 rDev -20.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Review from BeerAdvocate Magazine May 2007.
Brewed in homage to jazz master Thelonious Monk, a portion of the proceeds for each case sold goes towards education at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.
A hard pour yields a sizable head--and the thick collar of foam is a snap, crackle and pop away from nothing. Hazy, murky brown color is nearly opaque. Browned apple pulp, toasted grain husk and faint tropical fruit notes invade the nostrils. Slick mouthfeel with a medium body and semi-crisp carbonation. Brown malt to start: toasted and lightly roasted. Big twang of fermentation, fruit and tart with a metallic finish. Brown sugar sweetness flashes on the taste buds. Over-ripened tropical fruit, bread crust and a hint of black pepper in the middle. Beef stock? Finishes a bit toothy with a faded metallic flavor.
This Dubbel is just okay, nothing compared to some of its Belgian counterparts. On the other hand, if you dig jazz, grab a bottle or two--at least you know there's a good cause to get behind.
1,015 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Review from BeerAdvocate Magazine May 2007.
Brewed in homage to jazz master Thelonious Monk, a portion of the proceeds for each case sold goes towards education at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.
A hard pour yields a sizable head--and the thick collar of foam is a snap, crackle and pop away from nothing. Hazy, murky brown color is nearly opaque. Browned apple pulp, toasted grain husk and faint tropical fruit notes invade the nostrils. Slick mouthfeel with a medium body and semi-crisp carbonation. Brown malt to start: toasted and lightly roasted. Big twang of fermentation, fruit and tart with a metallic finish. Brown sugar sweetness flashes on the taste buds. Over-ripened tropical fruit, bread crust and a hint of black pepper in the middle. Beef stock? Finishes a bit toothy with a faded metallic flavor.
This Dubbel is just okay, nothing compared to some of its Belgian counterparts. On the other hand, if you dig jazz, grab a bottle or two--at least you know there's a good cause to get behind.
1,015 characters
3.77/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
4/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
In a goblet the beer was a red/orange color with a very tiny head. Wisps of lace. Brown sugar and dark fruit aroma. Taste followed form: brown sugar, dates, raisins, apple. A little yeasty. Medium bodied and smooth. A bit on the filling side; one was plenty for me.
265 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
In a goblet the beer was a red/orange color with a very tiny head. Wisps of lace. Brown sugar and dark fruit aroma. Taste followed form: brown sugar, dates, raisins, apple. A little yeasty. Medium bodied and smooth. A bit on the filling side; one was plenty for me.
265 characters
Brother Thelonious from North Coast Brewing Co.
3.79
out of 5
based on 3,011 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Appearance- dark brown to amber, with thick foamy head, low carbonation
Smell- brown sugar, belgian yeast, spice
Taste- brown sugar and molasses, starts up mostly sweet with a faint spice on the finish, not whole lot of complexity but decent yet light flavor
mouthfeel- medium to full bodied with low carbonation, nice slick feel
Drinkability/overall- overall this beer was an average at best belgian, flavors were light and lacking complexity, not of of my favorite beers from and overall very nice brewery
511 characters