Spencer Brewing Monk’s Reserve Quadruple Ale

Monks’ Reserve Ale pours a deep mahogany with a frothy and long-lasting tan head. It presents rich aromas of caramel, plums, dark cherries, dates, brown sugar, dark bread and a faint smokiness. The taste largely follows the nose with an elegant and pronounced maltiness dancing a playful tango: dark fruits, apple, molasses and candied sugar. A welcome and restrained bitterness prevents this Quad from being cloyingly sweet. Spicy phenols and a reappearance of an earthy smokiness also serve as an excellent counterpoint the fruity esters that dominate the initial tasting impression. Medium to full mouthfeel and perhaps slightly lighter than comparable brews such as Chimay Grande Reserve. It finishes with a lingering, boozy warmth, pleasantly appropriate for a high gravity 10 percent ABV ale.