PASSIONATE RATIONS

I have an unmitigated fondness for Belgian ales. They always have good body, but present as light on the tongue, and rarely bitter.

I also have great love for vinegars, especially those of the sweeter varieties (balsamic, apple cider, malt…). It’s that sweet-savory thing again.

So, when “Monk’s Café Flemish Sour” showed up on the board at my favorite local institution of imbibition I was immediately intrigued and asked for a taste (you see why I love my local beer hall—they give tastes!).

Imagine my delight when my little tasting glass arrived filled with the scent of gourmet vinegar. It was a twofer!

One swig and I was hooked, and proceeded (along with my spouse) to order and enjoy a full-sized portion.

The deep reddish-amber color of the ale was pleasing and its flavor was highly reminiscent of a fruity hard cider, with a bit more bite than you might expect. I have subsequently been surprised to learn that no fruit goes into the production of this ale.

Since we had never previously heard of Monk’s Café , we Googled it upon returning home and discovered that the name is not a quaint marketing exercise, but rather a real restaurant and “beer emporium” in Philadelphia, PA, that specializes in Belgian brews. Had I only learned this prior to my last visit to that area!

The Café describes its Flemish Sour as:

“Our own private label brewed for us by the family owned Van Steenberge brewery, just outside of Ghent, Belgium. Medium body, red color, somewhat fruity nose, malt flavor with a slight lactic sourness. A real thirst quencher and palate cleanser.”

Indeed.

And with warmer weather coming (I think. It’s hard to tell here in New England), I can hardly wait to continue quenching and cleansing.