RSSSo one of the perks of being a self employed/freelance (aka unemployed) photographer is that I have the privilege of staying in touch with all the friends that have left California over the years. One of my favorite trips, and one I try to make at least once a year is to visit a college friend in Santa Fe. Carolyn, Hubby Joe and 2 year old Sydney are always gracious enough to not only throw a fresh set of sheets and a pillow out for my arrival, but they always stock the mini fridge with a 6 pack of Monk’s Ale. I wasn’t familiar with Monk’s Ale, but after cracking one in the warm desert evening I was hooked. This seems the perfect beer for one of the nations perfect settings. I knew that when the afternoon thunderheads started rolling in it was time to crack a bottle. The beer really is brewed by local Monks and for that reason it is only available in New Mexico. A couple of the things I look for in a Beer are the overall flavor, is it bitter…sweet…fruity….hoppy etc. And how strong is it. Monks Ale is a good combination of all of the above. A decent amount of hops, a mild sweetness and they keep the bitterness well under control. I couldn’t find any numbers on the alcohol content, but I would have to assume it is somewhere in the upper 4% to low 5% range. So, if you have a friend in the area, or you just happen to be in New Mexico, hit up a grocery store and grab a 6 pack, you won’t be disappointed.
Interesting quote from the Monks Ale website:
“He who drinks ale sleeps well. He who sleeps well cannot sin. He who does not
sin goes to heaven. Amen.”
Summary:
Company: Monk’s Ale
Type: Belgian Ale
Taste: Mildly Hoppy, Great aroma, Bit of a sweetness, possibly a very slight honey taste.
Alcohol Content: +/-5%
Food Pairing: Great with friends, warm weather, a nice breeze and definitely the red chile sauce.
Rating: 4 out of 6 (I always ate too much to really pound ‘em)
Website: Monk’s Ale
