Anchorage Brewing Company Bitter Monk Belgian-Style Double IPA (Batch #5) Belgian IPA at 9% ABV | 100 IBU (C$14.76 at Collective, 750 ml, packaged on 1-Nov-2016, acquired 17-Nov-2018, reviewed 17-Dec-2018)
Appearance: hazy pale gold with one fat finger of rocky ivory head diminishing rapidly to a thin cap, minimal lacing. (3/5) Aroma: powerful & complex, wild funk, chardonnay, citrus zest, stone & tropical fruit. (9/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet & tart, high bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium body, lively carbonation, tart massively bitter funky finish. (4/5)
I savoured the aroma for quite a while, fully expecting the complexity to be reflected on the tongue – but holy crap, that first sip is a serious kick in the teeth! Big citrusy tart and vinous notes lead the way but are rapidly replaced by a massive lingering bitterness and wild funk. Given the significant Brett character in the aroma and flavour, I’m quite surprised at the relatively weak head retention and lacing, which is the only real flaw (though admittedly a relatively minor one) in this otherwise impressive beast of a beer. (17/20)
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
