Monk Madness (JLS Release #18)
I'm not sure what this beer is supposed to be, and I wonder if the good folks at Rogue whose craftsmanship is usually beyond reproach know either. I mean, what's with the Belgian reference, "monk madness" when this isn't a Belgian style of any sort? Maybe I've lost my sense of humour.... At any rate, this is a good-looking beer, pouring with a three-finger beige head over a dark copper-coloured body. Not much to the smell, however: a vague chocolate aroma with a yeasty funk. I thought the flavour had a bit of rye to it (I know it's not an ingredient) and bitter, dry hops really came through. Sweet chocolate and malted milk provide some balance but don't even things out. The carbonation is prickly and a sticky finish coated my palate. Overall an interesting experience, but not one I necessarily enjoyed despite repeated attempts.