Beer Review: Blushing Monk

Reviewing the Blushing Monk from Founders Brewing Company out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is the first release is Founders' Backstage Series.

Score: 94

July 2011 vintage bottle served in a snifter glass and enjoyed on 01/19/13 in honor of my good friend Adam Kaplan's wedding.

Appearance: Deep claret in color. Two fingers of light pink, strawberry ice cream colored head that settles to a thin layer atop the glass. Gorgeous lacing and really good cling. 5/5

Smell: Huge, jammy raspberries galore! Also present is sugary citrus, a little bit of floral , and faint yeast. Touch of grainy malt towards end of whiff. More raspberry comes through as it warms and airates 4.5/5

Taste: The Belgian qualities are more prominent on palate than they are in nose. Sweet and tart, jammy raspberry upfront, followed by slightly Belgiany yeast and malt. A touch of funk towards finish. Faint hint of alcohol, but well  incorporated into the flavor profile. Gets tarter as warms 4.25/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-plus bodied, low-plus carbonation.  Juicy on palate and slightly puckering. Lightly dry finish. 4.25/5

Overall: An excellent beer that was enjoyed by all the groomsman in the wedding party during the photography portion of wedding. This would have paired nicely with a donut or, more appropriately for the occasion, vanilla cake.

Pairing: A beignet.

Cost: $12.99 for a 750 ml bottle.