Struise Aardmonnik / Earthmonk

Formerly brewed at De Struise Brouwers
Style: Sour Ale
Oostvleteren, Belgium

2005. Deep mahogany pour with brighter reds and some violets deep inside the soft body. Very little carbonation. At first no head forms, but slowly carbonation streams through the thick body and forms a slick sheet of a light beige head. Soft, sultry tartness and just-crushed cherries and blackberries lead in the aroma, which is apparent from a distance. Chocolate truffles and grapeskin(whose velocity and appeal increase rapidly with warming) follows in the quiet parade of funk. Light cognac and licorice seeps through - it fits just a little too well. A cola component emerges but does not detract whatsoever. Alcohol is modestly concealed. Caramel malt is full and absurdly complex. Early in the interpretation this seems to be a blend of equal parts funk, fruit and caramel candy. The flavor is a mirror image of the aroma, something I so rarely encounter and so desire when the initial interpretation of nuances is so exhilarating. Balance of sweetness and tartness is remarkably laid before me. Subtle and some of the most over-the-top elegance I can recall in any medium of entertainment, imbibery included. This is ridiculous. The carbonation is barely evident, so the most subtle of berry seed notes shine through. Overall the flavor is down to earth and one of the most incredible examples of balance conceivable. Bitterness is at a bare minimum, acidity isn’t much of a nuisance or complimentary presence. Cherry notes increase their presence in conjunction with the increasing warmth. The finish is very mildly tart, chcolate and berry notes lingering forever. Mouthfeel is barely carbonated, resembling a skillfully aged unblended lambic without the jaw bruising acidity and tannins. Palate is medium bodied and exudes elegance and mastery of the style by a marvelous brewer. Breathtaking.

Bottle from Papsoe; Nose of light funky tartness, dark fruitiness, caramel, and a hint of soy; Dark brown with a tiny offwhite head; flavor is of tart apple, light spiciness, and tartness from the medium body, the tartness being the finish. reminds me of Russian River Despiration, a favorite brew!

Deep brown color, no head. Cherries, nice caramel, with sourness and light alcohol in the aroma. Taste is a bit dusty, light alcohol, some light chocolate mixed with a lemon sourness, interesting brew.

(SAMPLE FROM IRISHBOY)brown body with red highlights.no head to speak of.aroma is grape juice,prunes,and some funk.flavor is pretty much a mix of the aroma.not to bad i must say.

Bottle, 33 cl. Thanks to Leen from wbf. Dark brown-reddisch color, beige head. . Aroma = comples, sourness, malts. Medium at full bodied. Tatse is very good: sweet dark malts, sour, dry aftertaste.

750. Thanks, Maria! Pours deep brown with spotty red highlights and a slim rim of off-white film and a few loose bubbles. Gargantuan sour cherry nose. Big sour cherry body, too. Body’s on the high side of medium; not much carb there. Interesting oaky vanilla notes toward the finish.

750ml courtesy after4ever. Thanks, Tom! Pours a hazy reddish brown with an off-white ring of foam. Big aroma of sour cherries with a touch of vinegar on the side. Medium body and light carbonation. Sour taste of oxidized apples with some cherry vinegar behind it. The finish is dry and almost oaky.

Kulminator, 2005 bottle. Notes say: Finest flemish blood aluminium filings, Dirk has white hair for some reason. Taste is similar, why do i feel no need to speak right now?