Monk de Soleil is a Belgian-style Pale Ale collaboratively brewed by Barrel of Monks Brewing and 7venth Sun Brewery. For the purposes of this review, this pale ale was served in a tulip glass from a bottle.
Appearance
Pours a cloudy rust orange with a towering cap of frothy white foam that begins to bubble away rapidly. A soapy foam gathers at the collar while small patches of lace cling to the glass. Effervescence is continuously visible in the glass.
Aroma
Pleasant aroma of barnyard hay from the Brettanomyces, along with lemon zest and clove.
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Flavor
Palate begins with a taste of orange and transitions to an even sweeter flavor of candied sugar. Spices of pepper and clove appear before finishing dryly with a yeasty Brett that adds a sour note of grassy funk. A light toasty malt ties the palate together while hops and alcohol are appropriately restrained.
Mouthfeel
It’s appropriate to describe the carbonation as explosive when popping the cap unleashed a torrent of bubbly foam. But it does feel lively on the tongue and serves its medium body well.
Overall
The use of Brett is really quite lovely as it complements the flavor without being overpowering. Everyone’s a critic and it’s possible those expecting a strong taste of funk may come away disappointed.
The appearance doesn’t exhibit the clarity that’s typical of Belgian Pales but that’s nitpicking.
More importantly, the flavor and feel are superb in the Monk de Soleil. This is a brew that’s easily consumed. On a hot day, expect this beer to vanish almost immediately.
