Mad Monk Abbey Ale
Emmett's Brewing Company

 

Served in a cervoise at the Palatine brewpub.

If they've got access to brewing, why would the monks be mad? Anyway, this stuff pours a rather dark ruby-brown topped by a finger of sandstone foam. The nose comprises Belgian candi sugar, mesquite barbecue sauce, light molasses, and clove. Somehow, that combination works together, even though I'd likely not spoon those things into my mouth together. The taste holds notes of clove, cinnamon, light brown sugar, dark rum, toasted caramel, a hint of banana, cocoa, and a touch of cola. The body is a lithe medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a smooth feel. Overall, a very nice dubbel, one that verges on straight-up BSDA territory, but one whose sweet and spicy nature really hit home for me.