Big Rock Brewery Big Rock Monk’s Misery Herb Gruit at 6.0% ABV
Pours a deep cola red with a short tan head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim and no lacing. Nose is herbal and floral, faint honey and molasses. Taste is similar, with a little liquorice and a hint of coffee on a bitter finish. Medium body, low carbonation, with a dry finish.
So that’s a gruit, huh? Well, can’t say I’m a big fan. The herbal tones have a medicinal character, almost like Buckley’s Mixture. It’s not unpleasant, as such, but I actually sort of like Buckley’s, so there you go. Even making allowances for the uniqueness of the style, I can’t say this is something I’m eager to try again. I can see why hops became preferred, even ignoring the abuses of the politics of gruit.
5.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
