Spring may bring to mind thoughts of the opposite sex and the birds and the bees for some people, but for us Monks it means something totally different — Maibock (and other bock-style) beer!

True maibocks tend to be lighter in color than other bock beers, like dopplebocks. They’re also usually a bit more hoppy and spicy than a dopplebock. (Dopplebocks are the most likely style of bock beer that most folks have tried.)

The prototype for the dopplebock is Paulaner Salvator. Salvator was originally brewed by monks and served during lent as a replacement for food.

Photo by dubswede
[Read more]

Earlier this month I conducted Mass in celebration of Winter and specially crafted winter and Christmas beers. A few parishioners gathered here at the Abbey for a blind taste test.

I went to my local purveyor of fine alcoholic beverages and selected a random assortment of winter and Christmas-themed beers, pictured below.

[Read more]

Beer Abbey,

I heard in England, they drink their beer at room temperature! That sounds disgusting! Are they retarded? I like an ice cold brew on a hot Texas night. I heard their food sucks too.

Cheers,
Bud

Like many who wander, you’re half way there, my son. You merely need to put the other half of the knowledge with the part you already have, and you’ll come to understand the deeper meaning of beer. Follow me into the cellar where we’ll talk about which “room temperature” people are referring to…
[Read more]

There are times in everyone’s life when they must turn to a higher power for guidance. Are you having relationship issues — like which beer to pair with your fruity dessert? Wondering if there’s really a beer out there for you? Maybe beer isn’t your drink of choice, and you’d like to know which locally available vodka is the best value for your money. Ever thought of making your own wine?

The Monk is here for you, my child. Just like those OTHER monks you may or may not have experience with, he spends his time cloistered away pondering the great questions, like should Oktoberfest beers be blondes or maibocks? Which is nicer for sipping, Pinot Noir or Pino Grigio? What the hell is the difference? And does anyone really care?

Send your questions to The Beer Monk, and begin to unravel the mysteries of life.