Mönchspils
Klosterbrauerei Neuzelle GmbH

Comes in a long neck brown half liter bottle with a parchment colored label featuring a happy monk holding a liter mug with one hand and wagging his index finger with the other. Purity law applies. Best before 12/1/04, I opened it on 9/26/04.

Clear standard gold under a short-lived one finger white head that leaves a couple spots of lace before fading to collar. The nose is very weak, with just a hint of barley. The mouth is light and fairly prickly. A sweet syrupy sensation initially greets the tastebuds, barley in the whole, but somehow with a touch of, what, honey? A decent flowery hop finish takes over, but there is also a touch of old watermelon here. But in a good way. The aftertaste is more sweet than bitter, although there is a flowery bitterness lurking somewhere nearby. Not a terrible beer, but certainly not what I was expecting.

(500 ml bottle, bought at Gladmatfestivalen 2004, Stavanger). Golden colour, low head. Interesting malty aroma with hints of hayloft and sheepshed - very nice. An unusual pils! Flavour is distinctly malty with just enough hoppiness to call it a pils. Good beer!