Najaar
Monnik Beer Co.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ringing in the new year, the usual taste of the farmhouse, the one that's light in color, flavor and meant for the summer season, takes a back seat while the darker side of saison comes out to play. The talents at Monnik dig into the goodie sack of obscurity and history for the seldom seen dark saison.

Medium-brown and haze to the eye, the light foggy appearance is strikingly well carbonated, shedding a billowing sandy foam. Toasted aromatics are laced with peppercorn, light spruce, bread crust, clove and bubblegum. Creamy and bright on the palate, its initial taste is of savory croissant, walnut and hints of soft coffee and cocoa.

Its well-supported malt structure lays a foundation for the playful fruit and spice medley that grows through the middle palate. Orange peel, grapefruit peel and lemon peel all seem of the roasted varieties as a hint of grilled banana frame the beer's estery side. On the flip side, the spicy rebuttal eventually overshadows the fruit with its sharp taste of fresh-cracked peppercorn, toasted bark, clove, cumin, coffee-like bitterness and a acidic tang that's remiss of champagne brut.

Finishing with the somber flavors of mint and cocoa, the piquant peppery taste holds firm while the medium-bodied saison registers weightily due to its robust dark associations. Its an ideal balance for a winter beer that offers low palate fatigue- well suited for an array of darker, richer dishes or in succession over great company.