Brasserie Dupont Monk’s Stout
There’s no denying my infatuation with all things stout. Coffee, Imperial, whatever the style or label thrown on that bottle of black gold, I’m probably going to like it. Well, for the most part. There’s one realm of the stout family that I’ve never really particularly been that fond of — Belgian Stouts.
Now, I’m talking your traditional stout brewed by a Belgian company. They (De Dolle Extra Export Stout for example) are some of my favorite brews of the stout family. I’m referring to the brewing of a stout with Belgian yeast. Only one, or two, of the beers in this style have absolutely wowed me (Weyerbacher Tiny is the leader thus far). The rest have caused palate confusion and pretty much just not left a favorable impression on me afterwards.
Brasserie Dupont’s Monk’s Stout is one of those stouts that utilizes Belgian yeast in the brewing process. I knew that when I received this sample, but that wasn’t going to deter me in trying it out — and eventually drinking the entire bottle. While this 5.25% ABV stout didn’t truly win me over, it didn’t completely disappoint either. Now, this isn’t an indication of the brewery’s ability to successfully produce a solid beer. Apparently the stout receptors within my palate have a very strict area of acceptability and favorability when it comes to these types of beers.
Appearance
Monk’s Stout pours a near black with a large, rocky head that was mocha tinted and fell slowly.
Aroma
Spicy Belgian yeast leads the way as roast coffee and an earthy character quickly follow.
Taste
The beer carries with it a light coffee roast, subtle chocolate and a strong, spicy yeast component. There’s a light hop presence in the dry finish that lingers for a little bit. The brew was a little lighter on the palate than most stouts, but was still quite smooth. At a relatively low alcohol content the beer is fairly drinkable, as well.
Overall
I’m a huge fan of Brasserie Dupont. As stated in recent reviews of a couple of their other products, they make some of my all-time favorite beers and I really, really wanted this Monk’s Stout to rank right up there with them. But, unfortunately, my palate just can’t successfully glom onto the whole Belgian yeast and stout combination. I’m going to continue to seek these types of beers out, however. I’ve got to believe that there’s more than just one beer in this style that I’ll end up truly liking — that Weyerebacher Tiny is lonely.
Rating: 3.5/5
This is a review of a promotional sample received from the beer’s importer.