Monk's Phunk
The Very Nice Brewing Company

 

 

 

a very tasty yet unconventional beer here. i expected much more of a belgian type. this is very american as a dubbel goes, the yeast is very very mild, and the malt base is far lighter than the style usually delivers. more of a copper color than anything darker or richer, and quite a light body as a result. aromas of dates and honey from the grain, but not much toasted character, and without a heavy belgian yeast, it smells almost incomplete, as appetizing as it is. the taste is similar, not quite as sweet as the nose. the grain comes across very fresh, but never quite as rich and layered as the best belgian examples of the style. dried fruit like raisin and even apricot come up towards the finish, and this very tame yeast strain while not being to flavorful, does a nice job handling the sugars. lighter body makes it plenty easy drinking, but on the whole this one was a little one dimensional as dubbels go.