Monk's Café Flemish Sour Ale
Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
- Belgium
- Style:
- Sour - Flanders Oud Bruin
Ranked #47 - ABV:
- 5.5%
- Score:
- 87
Ranked #18,724 - Avg:
- 3.86 | pDev: 13.21%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Dec 09, 2021
- Added:
- Jun 19, 2003
- Wants:
- 96
- Gots:
- 488
SCORE
87
Very Good
87
Very Good
Notes:
Brewed for Monk's Café in Philadelphia, but also available for retail purchase elsewhere. Oud Bruin in style; a traditional blend of young and old beers.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4.69 by Tenebris on Dec 09, 2021
3.54 by dansmcd from Australia on Dec 03, 2021
4.03 by igl from Russian Federation on Nov 16, 2021
4.14/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Reef from South Carolina
Poured from a 33 cl. can into a Belgian chalice.
Clear dark reddish brown with small tan head. Spotty lacing, clumps of surface bubbles.
Rich fruity prune, red wine, cherry, vinegar aromas.
Slightly sweet cherry, plum,grapes, oak barrel, date, slight citrus flavors that deepen as the glass warms.
Full bodied, light acid aftertaste, consistent carbonation.
Very enjoyable.
reddish brown
Nov 06, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Reef from South Carolina
Poured from a 33 cl. can into a Belgian chalice.
Clear dark reddish brown with small tan head. Spotty lacing, clumps of surface bubbles.
Rich fruity prune, red wine, cherry, vinegar aromas.
Slightly sweet cherry, plum,grapes, oak barrel, date, slight citrus flavors that deepen as the glass warms.
Full bodied, light acid aftertaste, consistent carbonation.
Very enjoyable.
reddish brown
Nov 06, 2021
3.89/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by BerkeleyBeerSleuth from California
Deep reddish brown color with a tan creamy head with good retention. There is lots of aroma here; dark fruits, cherries, dried fruits, brown nut, lactic acid yogurt smell. The taste is pretty good, almost soda like with a strong puckering sweetness and a moderate sourness. Wine grape and cherry Taste leans to the malty side and I can pick up a good brown ale in the background. Easy to drink and equally refreshing.
Oct 15, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by BerkeleyBeerSleuth from California
Deep reddish brown color with a tan creamy head with good retention. There is lots of aroma here; dark fruits, cherries, dried fruits, brown nut, lactic acid yogurt smell. The taste is pretty good, almost soda like with a strong puckering sweetness and a moderate sourness. Wine grape and cherry Taste leans to the malty side and I can pick up a good brown ale in the background. Easy to drink and equally refreshing.
Oct 15, 2021
4/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by MikeWard from Pennsylvania
330ml can into a teku. Coding no help in determining age.
Looks very good in the glass. Dark red body, clear when held up to the light. Small off white head shrinks to a thick ring and covering, scattered lacing.
Sour aroma a pleasing blend of vinegar and dark fruits.
On tasting, comes through exactly as promised by the nose. Quite sour, but with enough of a sweet note to hold back the vinegar.
Mouth closer to full than medium, finish a sweet/sour duel, with the sour aspect winning out
Overall, an easy to find FOB, and a good one. I especially enjoy it during the warmer months, but on a fall evening it's still a solid across the board beer.
Oct 07, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by MikeWard from Pennsylvania
330ml can into a teku. Coding no help in determining age.
Looks very good in the glass. Dark red body, clear when held up to the light. Small off white head shrinks to a thick ring and covering, scattered lacing.
Sour aroma a pleasing blend of vinegar and dark fruits.
On tasting, comes through exactly as promised by the nose. Quite sour, but with enough of a sweet note to hold back the vinegar.
Mouth closer to full than medium, finish a sweet/sour duel, with the sour aspect winning out
Overall, an easy to find FOB, and a good one. I especially enjoy it during the warmer months, but on a fall evening it's still a solid across the board beer.
Oct 07, 2021
4.17/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by scootny from New York
A deep brownish ruby red. Large white head with bits of khaki in the makeup, lots of lacing. Very clear and lovely.
Nose is vinous and tart. Light malty sweetness that includes apples and pears.
Taste is a big version of the nose. Surprisingly sweet front that flows into cherries and oak. Lots of dry red wine like richness. Mild berries and light fruits. Good acidic bite. The sourness comes next. It covers the mouth with juicy notes and light lemon. More oak a hint of leather.
Medium weight with soft and mild carbonation. Crisp swallow.
A solid accessible take that gives all right tastes and sensations. You can quaff this all day and all night.
Sep 16, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by scootny from New York
A deep brownish ruby red. Large white head with bits of khaki in the makeup, lots of lacing. Very clear and lovely.
Nose is vinous and tart. Light malty sweetness that includes apples and pears.
Taste is a big version of the nose. Surprisingly sweet front that flows into cherries and oak. Lots of dry red wine like richness. Mild berries and light fruits. Good acidic bite. The sourness comes next. It covers the mouth with juicy notes and light lemon. More oak a hint of leather.
Medium weight with soft and mild carbonation. Crisp swallow.
A solid accessible take that gives all right tastes and sensations. You can quaff this all day and all night.
Sep 16, 2021
4.21/5 rDev +9.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
by JohnniEMc from Pennsylvania
It's a dark brownish red, the liquid poured from a bottle holding approximately twelve ounces. To ensure accuracy, the pour into a clear pint glass was repeated and the results are in. It's a little more opaque than semi-opaque and brings a small, but enduring off-white head. There's not a great aroma, but it's vaguely both sweet and sour. Now, when it comes to drinking, there just might be no other sour richer. This has a great body and although that may contribute to a sweetness unappreciated by some who love sours that are just sour, many beer drinkers will like the sweet-sour contrast within one brew. There's plenty of carbonation, but it doesn't interfere with the taste, nor mouthfeel. The change of tastes as the beer is savored is remarkable. It starts definitely sweet and finishes definitely sour, all this during a velvety smooth medium. The glass lacing is among the best of any sour beers. Nicely complex and with a true world class body, this should be a must try for everyone with diverse tastes and a go to for those that like red sours.
Jul 16, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
by JohnniEMc from Pennsylvania
It's a dark brownish red, the liquid poured from a bottle holding approximately twelve ounces. To ensure accuracy, the pour into a clear pint glass was repeated and the results are in. It's a little more opaque than semi-opaque and brings a small, but enduring off-white head. There's not a great aroma, but it's vaguely both sweet and sour. Now, when it comes to drinking, there just might be no other sour richer. This has a great body and although that may contribute to a sweetness unappreciated by some who love sours that are just sour, many beer drinkers will like the sweet-sour contrast within one brew. There's plenty of carbonation, but it doesn't interfere with the taste, nor mouthfeel. The change of tastes as the beer is savored is remarkable. It starts definitely sweet and finishes definitely sour, all this during a velvety smooth medium. The glass lacing is among the best of any sour beers. Nicely complex and with a true world class body, this should be a must try for everyone with diverse tastes and a go to for those that like red sours.
Jul 16, 2021
4.44 by Nyarko-San from Pennsylvania on Jul 15, 2021
4.46/5 rDev +15.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by faraday326 from California
It pours (11.2 oz bottle into glass) a deep reddish brown with a thick head.
The nose to me is amazing. Just incredibly rich w/ dark fruits and sweetness.. plums and raisins and typical things for this style. It's just very pleasant on the nose.
The flavor follows the nose with lots of plum and raisin and then a tartness you expect from a flemish sour ale. It's not like the bright sour of a wild ale/etc but it's the sweet/sour of a purple, plum, raisin flavor with the follow of tartness. Such a lovely mix.
A great, great, great example of the style.
Apr 09, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by faraday326 from California
It pours (11.2 oz bottle into glass) a deep reddish brown with a thick head.
The nose to me is amazing. Just incredibly rich w/ dark fruits and sweetness.. plums and raisins and typical things for this style. It's just very pleasant on the nose.
The flavor follows the nose with lots of plum and raisin and then a tartness you expect from a flemish sour ale. It's not like the bright sour of a wild ale/etc but it's the sweet/sour of a purple, plum, raisin flavor with the follow of tartness. Such a lovely mix.
A great, great, great example of the style.
Apr 09, 2021
4.6/5 rDev +19.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Peach63 from New York
Pours red with a 3/4 inch cream-colored head. Heavy lacing to the end.
Aroma is sour raisins, plums, grapes Belgian yeast.
Taste is sour, slightly sweet, prunes, raisins, grapes, lactic acid.
Medium bodied, moderate carbonation. Sweetish, tart finish.
This is a very good sour ale.
Nov 25, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Peach63 from New York
Pours red with a 3/4 inch cream-colored head. Heavy lacing to the end.
Aroma is sour raisins, plums, grapes Belgian yeast.
Taste is sour, slightly sweet, prunes, raisins, grapes, lactic acid.
Medium bodied, moderate carbonation. Sweetish, tart finish.
This is a very good sour ale.
Nov 25, 2020
4/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Greywulfken from New York
Dark ruby brown with a tan foam top... Makes me think of a farmhouse version of a Flanders red - has some berry and currant notes, but with a lactic tang and even a hint of red wine vinegar... Fairly smooth but lively enough up front, light-feeling, with a little wood at the end, but otherwise a surprisingly clean finish...
Nov 06, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Greywulfken from New York
Dark ruby brown with a tan foam top... Makes me think of a farmhouse version of a Flanders red - has some berry and currant notes, but with a lactic tang and even a hint of red wine vinegar... Fairly smooth but lively enough up front, light-feeling, with a little wood at the end, but otherwise a surprisingly clean finish...
Nov 06, 2020
4.12 by chad6058 from Virginia on Oct 26, 2020
3.69 by ronniebruner from Arizona on Oct 13, 2020
4.11 by smithj4 from New York on Oct 05, 2020
4.23 by JuanPn from Louisiana on Sep 30, 2020
4.18/5 rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Captain68 from Russian Federation
91,5
Sep 29, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Captain68 from Russian Federation
91,5
Sep 29, 2020
3.75 by RiceOwls27 from Texas on Jul 20, 2020
4.12/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by CAMRAhardliner from Canada (ON)
Pours deep mahogany with copper glints at the edges of the glass. The fizzy tan head starts big and crackles to a persistent foam cap quickly. Caramel malts and light tartness in the nose. The taste is of cherries, raisin bread, lemon acidity and some soft oak. Fuller body that expect for the style with medium carbonation. Light sweet and sour notes in the finish.
A complex Oud Bruin that does a good job of straddling sweet and sour. Worth a try.
Jul 07, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by CAMRAhardliner from Canada (ON)
Pours deep mahogany with copper glints at the edges of the glass. The fizzy tan head starts big and crackles to a persistent foam cap quickly. Caramel malts and light tartness in the nose. The taste is of cherries, raisin bread, lemon acidity and some soft oak. Fuller body that expect for the style with medium carbonation. Light sweet and sour notes in the finish.
A complex Oud Bruin that does a good job of straddling sweet and sour. Worth a try.
Jul 07, 2020
3.92 by Jaasoares from Virginia on Jun 28, 2020
3.71 by beerrat from Virginia on Jun 05, 2020
4.5/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Texanoblues
Same experience as other tasters. Dark brown in the glass with small cream colored head. Tart root beer and cherry. Also some nice caramel and date notes. Sort of a rich and well balanced wild ale. Very nice.
Apr 08, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Texanoblues
Same experience as other tasters. Dark brown in the glass with small cream colored head. Tart root beer and cherry. Also some nice caramel and date notes. Sort of a rich and well balanced wild ale. Very nice.
Apr 08, 2020
4.17/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by ovaltine from Indiana
Mahogany brown with reddish hues on the edges and a tan head, the nose is filled with cherry aromas and a significant oak component.
The tart cherries are featured on taste as well, with the oak flavor to smooth out the tart. This is really well executed, IMHO.
Mar 06, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by ovaltine from Indiana
Mahogany brown with reddish hues on the edges and a tan head, the nose is filled with cherry aromas and a significant oak component.
The tart cherries are featured on taste as well, with the oak flavor to smooth out the tart. This is really well executed, IMHO.
Mar 06, 2020
3.97 by jstern from California on Feb 23, 2020
3.66 by insouciantx from New York on Jan 18, 2020
3.8 by Miyeoni from Korea (South) on Jan 18, 2020
4.65 by Hyptochrons from Massachusetts on Jan 05, 2020
3 by rare_bird from Michigan on Dec 03, 2019
4.25 by craigbelly from Iowa on Dec 01, 2019
3.96 by MizzouBrew from Missouri on Oct 20, 2019
4.16/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by PBjurman from Indiana
Very drinkable oude bruin. Notes of oak with a finish reminiscent of cherries.
Oct 08, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by PBjurman from Indiana
Very drinkable oude bruin. Notes of oak with a finish reminiscent of cherries.
Oct 08, 2019
3.98 by Iski100 from Massachusetts on Oct 02, 2019
3.94/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Sabtos from Ohio
Dark muddled brownish-red with a tall, creamy persistent tan head clinging in thick wavy walls.
This is sweet, juicy and barely sour, featuring notes of crabapple, cranberry and red grape via a smooth medium slick body that finishes semi-dry with the lightest touch of dark oak on the exhale.
Sep 24, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Sabtos from Ohio
Dark muddled brownish-red with a tall, creamy persistent tan head clinging in thick wavy walls.
This is sweet, juicy and barely sour, featuring notes of crabapple, cranberry and red grape via a smooth medium slick body that finishes semi-dry with the lightest touch of dark oak on the exhale.
Sep 24, 2019
4.44/5 rDev +15%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by BeerManAZ
Very nice. Interesting style of beer. Has a tarty sour flavor that is not overly sweet. This I could drink gallons of.
Sep 18, 2019
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by BeerManAZ
Very nice. Interesting style of beer. Has a tarty sour flavor that is not overly sweet. This I could drink gallons of.
Sep 18, 2019
4.5/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by mngermanshepherd from Minnesota
This reminds me of a root beer. Pours a dark brown, almost black, with a head that would resemble a root beer from the tap.
Nose is definitely tart, with an almost vinegary aroma...
Taste is initially slight vinegary which quickly turns into a cherry delight. Definitely drinkable.
Aug 23, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by mngermanshepherd from Minnesota
This reminds me of a root beer. Pours a dark brown, almost black, with a head that would resemble a root beer from the tap.
Nose is definitely tart, with an almost vinegary aroma...
Taste is initially slight vinegary which quickly turns into a cherry delight. Definitely drinkable.
Aug 23, 2019
3.98 by Wasted_Youth from Indiana on Jul 29, 2019
4.25/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Act25 from New Jersey
i like this better than rodenbach, discovered at wegmans' tasting.
a / Pours a balsamic vinegar colored body with a tan foamy head that laces madly and densely while retaining a cap.
s / offers that vinegar, cherry, malt flavor expected in lambics. a bit of funk, basement, cave.
t / begins with tart fruits (cherry and fermented black berry) with balancing sour bitterness. wine like and complex, a sipper.
f / there's an extra layer in every sip, lean yet complex, dry, smooth, cleansing, yet wine like.
o/ we need more of these - high on my belgian list
Jul 22, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Act25 from New Jersey
i like this better than rodenbach, discovered at wegmans' tasting.
a / Pours a balsamic vinegar colored body with a tan foamy head that laces madly and densely while retaining a cap.
s / offers that vinegar, cherry, malt flavor expected in lambics. a bit of funk, basement, cave.
t / begins with tart fruits (cherry and fermented black berry) with balancing sour bitterness. wine like and complex, a sipper.
f / there's an extra layer in every sip, lean yet complex, dry, smooth, cleansing, yet wine like.
o/ we need more of these - high on my belgian list
Jul 22, 2019
2.49 by Mathysphere from Pennsylvania on Jun 08, 2019
3.3/5 rDev -14.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
by TheBigBoy from Pennsylvania
Not a sour guy, but this one is very refined and had me in that genre for a beer.
Jun 02, 2019
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
by TheBigBoy from Pennsylvania
Not a sour guy, but this one is very refined and had me in that genre for a beer.
Jun 02, 2019
4.02 by bigpoppa67 from Wisconsin on Jun 01, 2019
Monk's Café Flemish Sour Ale from Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
Beer rating:
87 out of
100 with
3069 ratings