La Motte Juillet Monacale

Brewed by Brasserie de La Motte Juillet
Style: Porter
Treban, France

A bit past its prime (like almost two years old) when we had it. Had an interesting nose of tobacco and molasses, but the mouth was very vegetal with some chocolate notes. Austure would be an understatement. Not bad, but would need to try fresh.

75 cl bottle from La Cave a Bulles. Deep ruby-amber coloured beer with a thick creamy off-white head. Aroma is of caramelly burnt sugar, light herbal aromatics, black licorice and even a hint of black pepper. A very faint smokiness as well. There is a lightly tart characteristic in the flavour that I’m not really a fan of. Flavour is lightly sweet up front with a prominent earthy/herbal character and a lingering earthy spiciness. It comes across like a UK-style porter with a bit less roastiness. A bit of cocoaish character on the finish as well. Fairly unique brew with some interesting components but it never really comes together for me.