I have very diverse preferences when it comes to beer. I have very diverse preferences when it comes to anything in my life actually, but I’m here to talk about beer, not my life. About two years ago some friends of mine were back in the country from their teaching jobs in Oman. They are classed in the group of people that I consider my “beer friends”. The only requirement for being is this category is enjoying good beer, but not only liking, seeking out. Ironically, if you know anything about Oman, you know it’s a dry country, but I digress. Back to the point, which was this was my first encounter with a sour.

Initially I must admit I was not a fan. I found the sensation very similar to eating a Warhead candy. I don’t enjoy eating Warheads. I’m kind of fond of the Strawberry Punch Straws, but that really has nothing to do with this. I divulge all of this simply to say that over the past two years sours have really grown on me. They are definitely in a class all of their own and are probably my current favorite, so I’m sure I’ll be telling you about quite a few of them. I’m sorry in advance for those of you that may not like them and don’t worry, it’s not the only thing that I drink and they are difficult to find so I’m not going to pour them down your throats. You see what I did there?

The latest to enter my house has been Monk’s Café Flemish Sour Ale. Doesn’t that name just make you say, ‘mmmm’? The clerk at my favorite beer store recently informed me that it makes him think of sour phlegm. That’s just kind of nasty and thankfully I don’t think the beer tastes remotely like that at all. It’s brewed by Brouverij Van Steenberge in Belgium. You may recognize the brewery for some of their other beers such as Gulden Draak or Piraat Ale.  As the name implies, the beer is sour. When compared to other sours I’ve had though, I’d put it on the milder side. It won’t pucker up your jaw, but you definitely get the sour notes. It’s also not the most flavorful sour I’ve had by any means. It’s subtle in it’s flavors which is nice. I’m terrible at pointing out exactly what flavor profiles something has, so don’t look to me for that. I can parrot at you all you want if you’re really looking for that, but it’ll just be what other’s have pulled out of it that I agree with.  When you first pour it the color looks to be a mild brown, but when held up to the light it’s more of a ruby red. It’s pretty carbonated compared to other beers you might drink, but if you’re a fan of Belgium styles in general it won’t seem like a lot to you. This beer is bottle conditioned which is also something to be aware of. Your going to see some yeast and sediment when your pour it. As far as parings go I really enjoy drinking this with any type of anitpasta or charcuterie board.

Over all, if you’ve never had a sour, I think this is a great one to start with.  If I have to rate it, I’d say 8/11  ships. That being said, I really love this beer! It’s going to take some really stand out beers to make me rate something an 9 or higher. So go make yourself a charcuterie board, poor yourself some beer, and sit back and enjoy the evening. You’ve earned it after all.

Recap

BEER: Monk’s Cafe Flemish Sour Ale

BREWERY: Brouverij Van Steenberge

STYLE: Flanders Oud Bruin

ABV 5%

QUINSTAR’S APPROVAL Thumbs up!