La Moneuse | Brasserie de Blaugies
Brewed by:
Brasserie de Blaugies
Belgium | website
Style: Saison / Farmhouse Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 8.00%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
La Moneuse is named for A. J. Moneuse (b. 1768), a famous local bandit and gang leader, and ancestor of the brewers’ family. It is a classic "saison" beer by virtue of its strength and its earthy, aged quality. It has a hardy, semi-dry malt character, a fresh but not overpowering hoppiness, abundant yeasty, fruity flavors and a fairly strong, but pleasant and enticing mustiness.
Added by NeroFiddled on 10-04-2002
Reviews: 141 | Ratings: 293
4.18/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had all but the Noel from this farmhouse brewery and I have appreciated all.
La Moneuse strikes me as a classic and I am glad to have shared it on three occasions... this last one with you.
The big rocky head tells me that lots went into this and wants to get out.
Aroma bursts out at me. All the earthy, grainy fragrances that I could want in a beer intended to complement an average meal (my ratatouille, frozen.)
The taste is largely the same (possibly with more fruits than I smelled), but finishes dry... which takes a lot of skills when paired with a food whose key ingredient is garlic (which makes me salivate.)
Find it, buy it, share it with others at a meal.
Listed in the "1001 Beers To Taste Before You Die", La Moneuese deserves to be there.
★ 755 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had all but the Noel from this farmhouse brewery and I have appreciated all.
La Moneuse strikes me as a classic and I am glad to have shared it on three occasions... this last one with you.
The big rocky head tells me that lots went into this and wants to get out.
Aroma bursts out at me. All the earthy, grainy fragrances that I could want in a beer intended to complement an average meal (my ratatouille, frozen.)
The taste is largely the same (possibly with more fruits than I smelled), but finishes dry... which takes a lot of skills when paired with a food whose key ingredient is garlic (which makes me salivate.)
Find it, buy it, share it with others at a meal.
Listed in the "1001 Beers To Taste Before You Die", La Moneuese deserves to be there.
★ 755 characters
3.85/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Hazy amber color with off-white head. Aroma has sweet malt, a bit of spicy yeast character and overall nice rustic farmhouse notes. Taste starts with overripe fruit and white pepper, continues with spicy yeast flavor and finishes more bitter with earthy hops. Medium body with quite soft mouthfeel and carbonation. Alcohol is hidden pretty well. Interesting saison overall. Rustic with spicy character and nice mouthfeel.
★ 421 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Hazy amber color with off-white head. Aroma has sweet malt, a bit of spicy yeast character and overall nice rustic farmhouse notes. Taste starts with overripe fruit and white pepper, continues with spicy yeast flavor and finishes more bitter with earthy hops. Medium body with quite soft mouthfeel and carbonation. Alcohol is hidden pretty well. Interesting saison overall. Rustic with spicy character and nice mouthfeel.
★ 421 characters
4.01/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
750ml split three ways a couple nights ago, 2015 bottle. Reviewed from phone notes.
A - Orange beer with some dust haze at first, gets all murky on further pours. Almost all white head on the initial pour, which settles eventually, crazy good retention and nice lace overall.
S - Hay, basement wall mustiness, apple, melon, a bit of bubblegum and honey sweetness, nice expressive earthy yeasts.
T - Maybe a touch less potent than the nose but still quite nice. Lots of good farmy and fruity yeast coming through with notes of apple, straw, mineral, wheat, light honey, earthy must and spice.
M - High carbonation, dry and yeasty, lots of foam with a surprisingly light and delicate feel for the ABV. A bit on the murky+chalky side, but great mixture and balance of flavors and quite drinkable, the lightness is appreciated.
O - Very enjoyable straight-up farmhouse that brings a good mix of dry/yeasty/earthy/sweet flavor, with just a touch of tart for good measure. Murkiness is a slight turn-off here, but definitely nice, the light-but-8% saison feel reminds me of Fantome but minus the wackiness.
★ 1,107 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
750ml split three ways a couple nights ago, 2015 bottle. Reviewed from phone notes.
A - Orange beer with some dust haze at first, gets all murky on further pours. Almost all white head on the initial pour, which settles eventually, crazy good retention and nice lace overall.
S - Hay, basement wall mustiness, apple, melon, a bit of bubblegum and honey sweetness, nice expressive earthy yeasts.
T - Maybe a touch less potent than the nose but still quite nice. Lots of good farmy and fruity yeast coming through with notes of apple, straw, mineral, wheat, light honey, earthy must and spice.
M - High carbonation, dry and yeasty, lots of foam with a surprisingly light and delicate feel for the ABV. A bit on the murky+chalky side, but great mixture and balance of flavors and quite drinkable, the lightness is appreciated.
O - Very enjoyable straight-up farmhouse that brings a good mix of dry/yeasty/earthy/sweet flavor, with just a touch of tart for good measure. Murkiness is a slight turn-off here, but definitely nice, the light-but-8% saison feel reminds me of Fantome but minus the wackiness.
★ 1,107 characters
4.29/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: Hazy orange marmalade with voracious carbonation and thick head
Aroma: Hay, barnyard, yeasty
Taste: Similar to Crooked Stave's Surette but less tart. The taste follows the nose with a tinge of oxidation that only adds to the rustic complexity.
Mouthfeel: Highly carbed with a fairly dry finish.
Overall: This is the most rustic and one of the best saisons I've had. It's probably the most to style saison I've had.
★ 427 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: Hazy orange marmalade with voracious carbonation and thick head
Aroma: Hay, barnyard, yeasty
Taste: Similar to Crooked Stave's Surette but less tart. The taste follows the nose with a tinge of oxidation that only adds to the rustic complexity.
Mouthfeel: Highly carbed with a fairly dry finish.
Overall: This is the most rustic and one of the best saisons I've had. It's probably the most to style saison I've had.
★ 427 characters
4.06/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from (green) bottle with no date, into a modified tulip glass.
A - Caramel, and copper colored, explosive carbonation feeds relentlessly to a cumulus
sized cap, No lacing can escape that pile of froth.
S - Earthy nose, old grass clippings, melon rime, musky fruit dominate the nose. I find his part the best
aspect. As the beer warms, the richer aromatic experience.
T - A strong grain bill, maltiness and farmhouse for sure, bits of orange peel, and sourdough all make for
quite a full palate.
F - Medium in body, the start is sweet, running over the palate, and rolling the tongues edges. The "sour"
parts are muted but pleasant. The carbonation keeps everything clean, leaving a wonderfully coating of
slightly sour candied fruit favors.
O - A real pleasure here, the offering is rich in texture, well carbonated, runs that Belgian Farmhouse definition quite well. A wonderful offering.
Cheers
★ 908 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from (green) bottle with no date, into a modified tulip glass.
A - Caramel, and copper colored, explosive carbonation feeds relentlessly to a cumulus
sized cap, No lacing can escape that pile of froth.
S - Earthy nose, old grass clippings, melon rime, musky fruit dominate the nose. I find his part the best
aspect. As the beer warms, the richer aromatic experience.
T - A strong grain bill, maltiness and farmhouse for sure, bits of orange peel, and sourdough all make for
quite a full palate.
F - Medium in body, the start is sweet, running over the palate, and rolling the tongues edges. The "sour"
parts are muted but pleasant. The carbonation keeps everything clean, leaving a wonderfully coating of
slightly sour candied fruit favors.
O - A real pleasure here, the offering is rich in texture, well carbonated, runs that Belgian Farmhouse definition quite well. A wonderful offering.
Cheers
★ 908 characters
4.25/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Medium orange appearance with abundant pillowing ivory colored head. Musty barn aromas, warm bread, loam, a cumin / coriander spiciness. Great carbonation and mouthfeel, finishing dry with a bit of a champagne feel.
★ 215 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Medium orange appearance with abundant pillowing ivory colored head. Musty barn aromas, warm bread, loam, a cumin / coriander spiciness. Great carbonation and mouthfeel, finishing dry with a bit of a champagne feel.
★ 215 characters
3.05/5 rDev -25.6%
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
750 ml bottle. Orange gold body with a white head, nice retention and minor lacing. Aromas of yeast, bread, a bit of sweetness and spice. Flavors were dominated by yeast, sweet malt and some spice. Personally, I prefer my Saisons to have just a flick or more of tartness and this has none.
★ 289 characters
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
750 ml bottle. Orange gold body with a white head, nice retention and minor lacing. Aromas of yeast, bread, a bit of sweetness and spice. Flavors were dominated by yeast, sweet malt and some spice. Personally, I prefer my Saisons to have just a flick or more of tartness and this has none.
★ 289 characters
4.12/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pour was a nice apricot color with a mountainous, overflowing white bubbly head. The cork blasted off like a bottle of champagne. Nice fruity nose, big rustic Belgian yeast notes, some mustiness. Taste is like a classic Belgian Farmhouse ale. Semi -dry maltiness, bready, earthy, must. Light hop characteristic, but it's there. Overall, a great example of the style.
★ 366 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pour was a nice apricot color with a mountainous, overflowing white bubbly head. The cork blasted off like a bottle of champagne. Nice fruity nose, big rustic Belgian yeast notes, some mustiness. Taste is like a classic Belgian Farmhouse ale. Semi -dry maltiness, bready, earthy, must. Light hop characteristic, but it's there. Overall, a great example of the style.
★ 366 characters
3.17/5 rDev -22.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This is a solid beer but my least favourite from this brewery. It smelled great with bready sweetness and a little cola but the taste was a bit too dry and not that complex. I preferred the lingering aftertaste of saison d'epeautre and darbyste.
The yeast is very easily disturbed so letting it sit for a month or so makes a world of difference to the taste. The more the yeast settles, the drier it seems to taste. Carbonation is very high and quite prickly and for me it just needs a bit more of the malt to come through.
★ 524 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
This is a solid beer but my least favourite from this brewery. It smelled great with bready sweetness and a little cola but the taste was a bit too dry and not that complex. I preferred the lingering aftertaste of saison d'epeautre and darbyste.
The yeast is very easily disturbed so letting it sit for a month or so makes a world of difference to the taste. The more the yeast settles, the drier it seems to taste. Carbonation is very high and quite prickly and for me it just needs a bit more of the malt to come through.
★ 524 characters
4.13/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
I really enjoyed this bottle. Massive head that lasts forever and leaves lost of lacing. The nose and taste both offer lots of yeast, bread/biscuit notes and some warm spice. It was very light and refreshing, especially considering the 8% ABV, but I found it to be heavily over-carbonated. Overall, a delicious beer that reminded me of summer despite all the snow outside!
★ 376 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
I really enjoyed this bottle. Massive head that lasts forever and leaves lost of lacing. The nose and taste both offer lots of yeast, bread/biscuit notes and some warm spice. It was very light and refreshing, especially considering the 8% ABV, but I found it to be heavily over-carbonated. Overall, a delicious beer that reminded me of summer despite all the snow outside!
★ 376 characters
4.03/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
I enjoyed this on tap at Hunger N Thirst, served chilled in a tulip.
The color is golden amber with a slight caramel look with thin white head with very fine bead and stringy lace with light hazed appearance. The smell incorporates a strong yeast odor with light woody and fruity pear type smell with slight green apple and light spice with mild alcohol with some mild herbal/woody scents that continue as it warms. The feel is strong with big woody texture -yeasty spiciness with medium carbonation and slight tangy element with mild sweetness as it finishes.
The taste is tangy and fruity with slight apple skin and spice combination in the taste with some vinous flavors from the yeast and mild malt sweetness with slight alcohol in the taste mid palate with spice and wood type earthiness with slight yeast flavor in the finish with an herbal quality from hops. This is great I really like the complexity of this strong saison, balanced and easy to drink for the strength
★ 977 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
I enjoyed this on tap at Hunger N Thirst, served chilled in a tulip.
The color is golden amber with a slight caramel look with thin white head with very fine bead and stringy lace with light hazed appearance. The smell incorporates a strong yeast odor with light woody and fruity pear type smell with slight green apple and light spice with mild alcohol with some mild herbal/woody scents that continue as it warms. The feel is strong with big woody texture -yeasty spiciness with medium carbonation and slight tangy element with mild sweetness as it finishes.
The taste is tangy and fruity with slight apple skin and spice combination in the taste with some vinous flavors from the yeast and mild malt sweetness with slight alcohol in the taste mid palate with spice and wood type earthiness with slight yeast flavor in the finish with an herbal quality from hops. This is great I really like the complexity of this strong saison, balanced and easy to drink for the strength
★ 977 characters
3.78/5 rDev -7.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle pour at Shelton Brothers The Festival 2014 held at Crafted in San Pedro, CA.
Pours a hazy orange with a foamy bone head that settles to a partial film on top of the beer. Small streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of malt, grain, earth, spice, and yeast aromas. Taste is much the same with grain, earth, and spice flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of spice bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer that is tasty and easy to drink.
Serving type: bottle.
★ 603 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Bottle pour at Shelton Brothers The Festival 2014 held at Crafted in San Pedro, CA.
Pours a hazy orange with a foamy bone head that settles to a partial film on top of the beer. Small streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of malt, grain, earth, spice, and yeast aromas. Taste is much the same with grain, earth, and spice flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of spice bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer that is tasty and easy to drink.
Serving type: bottle.
★ 603 characters
4.1/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks to hoppypocket for another great trade.
A: Pours a slightly murky reddish pumpkin colour with 5 fingers of big billowy head with plenty of lacing along the sides of the glass.
S: Yeasty bread, fresh cut grass, dry crisp pear, light funkiness with some sweet pale malts in the background.
T: Sweet honey malts upfront followed by fresh cut grass, dry pears, lemon zest and light notes of wet hay.
M: Light bodies and high carbonation. Dry finish.
O: A perfect summer patio beer. Crisp and clean with a pleasant drying finish.
★ 536 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Thanks to hoppypocket for another great trade.
A: Pours a slightly murky reddish pumpkin colour with 5 fingers of big billowy head with plenty of lacing along the sides of the glass.
S: Yeasty bread, fresh cut grass, dry crisp pear, light funkiness with some sweet pale malts in the background.
T: Sweet honey malts upfront followed by fresh cut grass, dry pears, lemon zest and light notes of wet hay.
M: Light bodies and high carbonation. Dry finish.
O: A perfect summer patio beer. Crisp and clean with a pleasant drying finish.
★ 536 characters
4.21/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured out of a 750mL bottle into a tulip.
A: Reddish golden body, with very active carbonation. Off white head, massive! Great retention and lots of lacing.
S: Bready and sweet. Spicy. Typical Belgian phenols- wet grass and straw,
T: Flavor follows the aroma. Caramel throughout, with a bread character. Comes in spicy, stays sweet to the end, with a slightly bitter finish.
M: Medium body with lots of carbonation. Slightly dry, more at the end, but not so much to unbalance the sweet flavors.
O: A well made, balanced saison. It is different than the typical saison, while not as light or dry, is still quite enjoyable.
★ 627 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured out of a 750mL bottle into a tulip.
A: Reddish golden body, with very active carbonation. Off white head, massive! Great retention and lots of lacing.
S: Bready and sweet. Spicy. Typical Belgian phenols- wet grass and straw,
T: Flavor follows the aroma. Caramel throughout, with a bread character. Comes in spicy, stays sweet to the end, with a slightly bitter finish.
M: Medium body with lots of carbonation. Slightly dry, more at the end, but not so much to unbalance the sweet flavors.
O: A well made, balanced saison. It is different than the typical saison, while not as light or dry, is still quite enjoyable.
★ 627 characters
3.94/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
The beer comes in a dark reddish copper with a light white head.
The aroma has caramel sweetness, Saison yeast and breadiness. A good amount of phenolic and spice.
The flavor follows as that caramel flavor drives throughout the beer. There's some spiciness along with the breadiness and yeast character. More towards a sweeter saison than a dry one. Reminded me of some Fantomes I've had.
A well made saison for those interested in something different from a light, refreshing dry versions of the beer.
★ 505 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
The beer comes in a dark reddish copper with a light white head.
The aroma has caramel sweetness, Saison yeast and breadiness. A good amount of phenolic and spice.
The flavor follows as that caramel flavor drives throughout the beer. There's some spiciness along with the breadiness and yeast character. More towards a sweeter saison than a dry one. Reminded me of some Fantomes I've had.
A well made saison for those interested in something different from a light, refreshing dry versions of the beer.
★ 505 characters
4.34/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Torst. Nice amber copper color with nice frothy head. Classic farmhouse aromas of rye and wheat with big farmhouse aromas...peppery notes like crazy. Taste is again classic farmhouse. ..peppery rye with some slight wild character. Deff some adjunct like corn in here...
so smooth and a pleasure to drink. Awesome brew. A true whore to the style and this does not disappoint. A near perfect Saison.
★ 407 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Torst. Nice amber copper color with nice frothy head. Classic farmhouse aromas of rye and wheat with big farmhouse aromas...peppery notes like crazy. Taste is again classic farmhouse. ..peppery rye with some slight wild character. Deff some adjunct like corn in here...
so smooth and a pleasure to drink. Awesome brew. A true whore to the style and this does not disappoint. A near perfect Saison.
★ 407 characters
4.54/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from 750 mL bottle into tulip.
A: Pours a clear dark golden yellow with high carbonation producing a massive 4-5 inch light tan head. Excellent retention and lacing.
S: Barnyard funk, citrus, a minerally/musty/earthy note, spicy hops, and smells dry. Quite complex and intriguing.
T: A strong effervescent champagne-like note hits immediately, quickly followed by citrus and clove, then also quickly followed by banana, melon, barnyard funk, hay, spicy hops, soft but sweet caramel malt, and a hint of dry pear. Wow...super complex. Love it.
M: Loads of effervescence from the carbonation. Light-medium body. Smooth, mildly sweet, and with a slightly oily feel up front, turning towards a distinctly and prominently dry finish. Lingers and matures nicely on the palate (more barnyard funk and herbal tea qualities emerge here).
D: Outstanding...what a treat! A superbly complex and interesting brew and yet also highly drinkable. Seek it out!
★ 949 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from 750 mL bottle into tulip.
A: Pours a clear dark golden yellow with high carbonation producing a massive 4-5 inch light tan head. Excellent retention and lacing.
S: Barnyard funk, citrus, a minerally/musty/earthy note, spicy hops, and smells dry. Quite complex and intriguing.
T: A strong effervescent champagne-like note hits immediately, quickly followed by citrus and clove, then also quickly followed by banana, melon, barnyard funk, hay, spicy hops, soft but sweet caramel malt, and a hint of dry pear. Wow...super complex. Love it.
M: Loads of effervescence from the carbonation. Light-medium body. Smooth, mildly sweet, and with a slightly oily feel up front, turning towards a distinctly and prominently dry finish. Lingers and matures nicely on the palate (more barnyard funk and herbal tea qualities emerge here).
D: Outstanding...what a treat! A superbly complex and interesting brew and yet also highly drinkable. Seek it out!
★ 949 characters
3.79/5 rDev -7.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750 mL bottle poured into a plastic cup.
Appearance - Overflowing as I pour it. Chunky bits spill into the glass and riddle the foam with brown specs. Murky deep amber body. Not a pleasant looking beer.
Smell - Apple fruitiness and some floral notes. Honey and some caramel malt. Hint of spice, like rye.
Taste - Much less fruitiness, more of a variety of sweet malt flavors. Honey, toffee, slight bitterness. Some spiciness in the back, again reminiscent of rye. More of a saison finish with a touch of bitterness.
Mouthfeel - Looks way overcarbonated, but it's quite creamy. Pleasant and not what I expected.
Overall - Surprising beer. None of the characteristics I expected, but I was never disappointed.
★ 713 characters
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750 mL bottle poured into a plastic cup.
Appearance - Overflowing as I pour it. Chunky bits spill into the glass and riddle the foam with brown specs. Murky deep amber body. Not a pleasant looking beer.
Smell - Apple fruitiness and some floral notes. Honey and some caramel malt. Hint of spice, like rye.
Taste - Much less fruitiness, more of a variety of sweet malt flavors. Honey, toffee, slight bitterness. Some spiciness in the back, again reminiscent of rye. More of a saison finish with a touch of bitterness.
Mouthfeel - Looks way overcarbonated, but it's quite creamy. Pleasant and not what I expected.
Overall - Surprising beer. None of the characteristics I expected, but I was never disappointed.
★ 713 characters
4.02/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
No date that I can find.
A: Cork pops out with a huge boom, threatening to douse my entire kitchen with foam. Luckily I was prepared and caught it all. Light, clear amber pour with an enormously fluffy and frothy off-white head. Substantial chunks of fluffy lacing everywhere with great retention.
S: Big funky, yeasty, wheaty aroma. Get some grass, some citrus, some cloves and some mild spices. Crisp and refreshing.
T: Grassy and citrusy up front. Bitter and lightly tart citrus, like orange peels. A bit funky in the middle with some light bready malt and some cloves. Some mild black pepper and a little more orange peel in the finish with a bit of....burnt tire? Super drying in the finish and aftertaste, it's literally making me feel parched after every sip.
M: Medium bodied, extremely dry. One of the driest beers I've ever had.
O: Interesting saison. One of the least peppery saisons I've had, can't really comment either way whether that's a good or bad thing - just an observation. A bit tart and funky but nothing huge. Very traditional, though that probably is a subjective term given the variety of saisons coming out of belgian. Extremely dry, I cannot overstate. I feel like I need a sip of water between every sip of this beer. Literally feels like it's sucking the moisture out of your mouth. Overall well balanced, tasty and complex.
★ 1,360 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
No date that I can find.
A: Cork pops out with a huge boom, threatening to douse my entire kitchen with foam. Luckily I was prepared and caught it all. Light, clear amber pour with an enormously fluffy and frothy off-white head. Substantial chunks of fluffy lacing everywhere with great retention.
S: Big funky, yeasty, wheaty aroma. Get some grass, some citrus, some cloves and some mild spices. Crisp and refreshing.
T: Grassy and citrusy up front. Bitter and lightly tart citrus, like orange peels. A bit funky in the middle with some light bready malt and some cloves. Some mild black pepper and a little more orange peel in the finish with a bit of....burnt tire? Super drying in the finish and aftertaste, it's literally making me feel parched after every sip.
M: Medium bodied, extremely dry. One of the driest beers I've ever had.
O: Interesting saison. One of the least peppery saisons I've had, can't really comment either way whether that's a good or bad thing - just an observation. A bit tart and funky but nothing huge. Very traditional, though that probably is a subjective term given the variety of saisons coming out of belgian. Extremely dry, I cannot overstate. I feel like I need a sip of water between every sip of this beer. Literally feels like it's sucking the moisture out of your mouth. Overall well balanced, tasty and complex.
★ 1,360 characters
3.78/5 rDev -7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From: Binny's, Chicago, IL
Date: None on bottle
Glass: New Belgium globe glass
Blaugies' La Moneuse is a malt-forward, rather heavy/dark saison (relative to lighter/fruitier/funkier saisons) with a stronger emphasis on caramel malt sweetness and characters than saison yeast esters and phenols. If this sounds appealing, it's definitely a saison to check out, if just for a fairly novel take on the style. While it works, I wasn't as blown away as I thought I'd be, and would be interested in trying this very fresh, otherwise I'd seek out Blaugies' spelt and fig beers over this one.
Pours a fairly tall (1.5cm) head of fairly clean, white foam, made up primarily of medium and small-sized bubbles. Retention is about average, the foam lasting a bit over a minute before it declines to a thin cap of lacing atop the body of the beer. Lacing around the sides of the glass is moderately present, some medium-sized washes and large dots clinging to the walls of the glass. The body is a dark copper-brown color, fairly opaque (about 60-70% opacity), with light bringing out brighter orange-caramel tones.
Aroma is of pleasant caramel malt sweetness with a bit of decomposing leaf matter (or mustiness, as the label suggests), woodsy Continental hops, light tartness, saison yeast, and a bit of dried orange peel.
Front of palate discovers caramel malt sweetness with slightly medicinal and spicy Belgian yeast phenols, moderate mustiness / decomposing leaf matter, and apple cider. Mid-palate finds decomposing leaf matter, saison yeast, some spiciness and sharp phenolic notes, and contentinal hop bitterness over an underlying caramel malt sweetness. Back of palate features continued caramel malt sweetness with a moderate continental hop bitterness and woodsiness, white pepper, and typical saison yeast-produced fruity esters and spicy phenols. Aftertaste is pleasantly bitter, with residual caramel malt sweetness, slightly heavy Belgian yeast, moderate mustiness and phenolic spiciness, and dried orange peel.
Beer is medium-bodied, with medium levels of carbonation, resulting in a slightly fizzy mouthfeel that eventually calms to a foamy, creamy feel. A bit of ethanol heat is detectable as a flash in the nostrils when swallowing, otherwise unpresent. Closes out dry, with moderate stickiness clinging to the palate.
★ 2,330 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
From: Binny's, Chicago, IL
Date: None on bottle
Glass: New Belgium globe glass
Blaugies' La Moneuse is a malt-forward, rather heavy/dark saison (relative to lighter/fruitier/funkier saisons) with a stronger emphasis on caramel malt sweetness and characters than saison yeast esters and phenols. If this sounds appealing, it's definitely a saison to check out, if just for a fairly novel take on the style. While it works, I wasn't as blown away as I thought I'd be, and would be interested in trying this very fresh, otherwise I'd seek out Blaugies' spelt and fig beers over this one.
Pours a fairly tall (1.5cm) head of fairly clean, white foam, made up primarily of medium and small-sized bubbles. Retention is about average, the foam lasting a bit over a minute before it declines to a thin cap of lacing atop the body of the beer. Lacing around the sides of the glass is moderately present, some medium-sized washes and large dots clinging to the walls of the glass. The body is a dark copper-brown color, fairly opaque (about 60-70% opacity), with light bringing out brighter orange-caramel tones.
Aroma is of pleasant caramel malt sweetness with a bit of decomposing leaf matter (or mustiness, as the label suggests), woodsy Continental hops, light tartness, saison yeast, and a bit of dried orange peel.
Front of palate discovers caramel malt sweetness with slightly medicinal and spicy Belgian yeast phenols, moderate mustiness / decomposing leaf matter, and apple cider. Mid-palate finds decomposing leaf matter, saison yeast, some spiciness and sharp phenolic notes, and contentinal hop bitterness over an underlying caramel malt sweetness. Back of palate features continued caramel malt sweetness with a moderate continental hop bitterness and woodsiness, white pepper, and typical saison yeast-produced fruity esters and spicy phenols. Aftertaste is pleasantly bitter, with residual caramel malt sweetness, slightly heavy Belgian yeast, moderate mustiness and phenolic spiciness, and dried orange peel.
Beer is medium-bodied, with medium levels of carbonation, resulting in a slightly fizzy mouthfeel that eventually calms to a foamy, creamy feel. A bit of ethanol heat is detectable as a flash in the nostrils when swallowing, otherwise unpresent. Closes out dry, with moderate stickiness clinging to the palate.
★ 2,330 characters
3.9/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Recently stumbled across my notes from The Festival 2012. Lets do this!
A - Poured a nice faint lightly hazy golden hue with a good rocky white head that left solid lacing.
S - Aromas of apple skins, light grass/hay, coriander, light esters. Yeasty though.
T - Taste is solid, similar to the aroma with a touch more spice than on the nose. The esters are more prominent along with some faint booze. Definitely know this is up there for ABV.
M - Mouthfeel is the weakest point for me. The carbonation seems abit heavy and that does not help out how boozy this saison is.
O - Overall, not a bad beer, just wish it was not as boozy.
★ 634 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Recently stumbled across my notes from The Festival 2012. Lets do this!
A - Poured a nice faint lightly hazy golden hue with a good rocky white head that left solid lacing.
S - Aromas of apple skins, light grass/hay, coriander, light esters. Yeasty though.
T - Taste is solid, similar to the aroma with a touch more spice than on the nose. The esters are more prominent along with some faint booze. Definitely know this is up there for ABV.
M - Mouthfeel is the weakest point for me. The carbonation seems abit heavy and that does not help out how boozy this saison is.
O - Overall, not a bad beer, just wish it was not as boozy.
★ 634 characters
4.19/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
750ml bottle into a wine glass
A: Pours a slightly hazy copper color with a very active one finger head. Great lacing.
S: Very phenolic. Dried apricot base with a nice nutty, spicy quality. Lemon zest pairs with peppercorn and cardamom to create a complex, yet well integrated and balanced aroma.
T: Equally as phenolic as the aroma. Dried apricot provides a great base with clove and nutmeg to create a very balanced and complex flavor. A bit sweet for the style, but certainly balanced.
M: A bit on the thick side with strong carbonation, even for the style.
O: A very balanced and complex Saison. It's a bit sweet for the style, but definitely not too sweet, like many American versions of the style. The phenols help balanced the sweetness, creating a delicious beer.
★ 776 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
750ml bottle into a wine glass
A: Pours a slightly hazy copper color with a very active one finger head. Great lacing.
S: Very phenolic. Dried apricot base with a nice nutty, spicy quality. Lemon zest pairs with peppercorn and cardamom to create a complex, yet well integrated and balanced aroma.
T: Equally as phenolic as the aroma. Dried apricot provides a great base with clove and nutmeg to create a very balanced and complex flavor. A bit sweet for the style, but certainly balanced.
M: A bit on the thick side with strong carbonation, even for the style.
O: A very balanced and complex Saison. It's a bit sweet for the style, but definitely not too sweet, like many American versions of the style. The phenols help balanced the sweetness, creating a delicious beer.
★ 776 characters
4.04/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
This beer pours a dark golden color with a touch of haziness. Big white head and splotchy lacing. Head settles to a thick collar.
Aroma of grass, earthy spices, apple skin, some coriander and a hint of flowers. Semi-sweet with a touch of cheese
Flavors dance around the underlying biscuit theme. Hops are light and spicy giving a slight lemon taste. Some flowers in the taste, but nothing is really all that dominant. The carbonation cleanses the palate a little too well. The spices on the end are shaken clean. A touch boozy
★ 529 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
This beer pours a dark golden color with a touch of haziness. Big white head and splotchy lacing. Head settles to a thick collar.
Aroma of grass, earthy spices, apple skin, some coriander and a hint of flowers. Semi-sweet with a touch of cheese
Flavors dance around the underlying biscuit theme. Hops are light and spicy giving a slight lemon taste. Some flowers in the taste, but nothing is really all that dominant. The carbonation cleanses the palate a little too well. The spices on the end are shaken clean. A touch boozy
★ 529 characters
4.1/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Light copper colored beer, with a hefty 2 finger foamy white head with a seemingly infinite retention and lots of lacing.
S: Yeast is far and away the strongest aroma in this beer, with tart green apple and some spices. Not too much of an aroma, I think mostly because it has to work its way through the neverending inch of head.
T: Much like the aroma, the taste is somewhat reserved. It's bready, grainy and yeasty, with some peppery spiciness. Not at all sweet, and the end is crisp and tart. Some alcoholic phenols and grassiness. Deceptively simple and tame and first, but the more I drink it and the more it warms and opens up the more flavors come through. Never powerful, but keeps me going back for more.
M: Moderate body, but heavy on the carbonation. Light in the mouth, but somewhat sticky on the back of the throat.
O: Really quite a good beer. Doesn't blow me away, but the flavor is deep and complex. The tartness is satisfying, and the flavors interesting. Works for me.
★ 993 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Light copper colored beer, with a hefty 2 finger foamy white head with a seemingly infinite retention and lots of lacing.
S: Yeast is far and away the strongest aroma in this beer, with tart green apple and some spices. Not too much of an aroma, I think mostly because it has to work its way through the neverending inch of head.
T: Much like the aroma, the taste is somewhat reserved. It's bready, grainy and yeasty, with some peppery spiciness. Not at all sweet, and the end is crisp and tart. Some alcoholic phenols and grassiness. Deceptively simple and tame and first, but the more I drink it and the more it warms and opens up the more flavors come through. Never powerful, but keeps me going back for more.
M: Moderate body, but heavy on the carbonation. Light in the mouth, but somewhat sticky on the back of the throat.
O: Really quite a good beer. Doesn't blow me away, but the flavor is deep and complex. The tartness is satisfying, and the flavors interesting. Works for me.
★ 993 characters
La Moneuse from Brasserie de Blaugies
4.1
out of 5
based on 293 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
750 ml caged and corked bottle, the cap on the caging is smudged but it looks like the printing on it says BL10115. I guess it's a 2015 bottle? Served in a Unibroue tulip, the beer pours a hazy orange/amber color with a couple inch off-white head. Head retention is really good, and there's a decent amount of lacing. I like the aroma, the brew smells like clove, apple, earthiness, wheat/grainy malt and peppery spice. It tastes like yeasty earthiness, wheat/grainy malt, hay, peppery spice, apple, clove, and a bit of apricot. Mouthfeel/body is medium, it's somewhat dry with a lot of carbonation. But the carbonation is soft, and I thought it was easy enough to drink. I liked this brew a lot, it's a very enjoyable saison. Definitely recommend this to anyone who likes saisons.
★ 790 characters