Monstre Rouge

Sounds like a classy French film eh? It may be, but I am blogging about the latest collaborative beer between Belgian-based De Proef and an American craft brewery.

Here is a snippet of the official press release:

Monstre Rouge (Red Monster) is loosely based on Terrapin's Big Hoppy Monster with a Belgian twist. It is an Imperial Flanders Red Ale of 8.5%, fermented with brettanomyces and aged with toasted American oak. The malt profile includes a range of Crystal malts, Munich and Terrapin's signature Rye. It is hopped to 55 ibu's with a blend of American hops. It is a deep amber-red color capped by rocky off-white foam. It has a complex flavor profile - tart, sweet, sour, hoppy and woody. This limited production beer is available in cases of 6/750ml cork-finished bottles and 30L kegs. Suggested retail price is $15.99 per bottle

"I am very pleased to welcome Terrapin to the collaboration series," noted SBS Founder and President Alan Shapiro. "I believe Spike & Dirk have created something truly unique that will be enjoyed by discerning Belgian beer consumers."

"We consider it a great honor to be invited to partner on this beer," added Terrapin Co-Founder and Brewmaster Spike Buckowski. "It is a truly impressive list of brewers who have come before us and it has been a great experience to work with De Proef and SBS."

Each year SBS invites a noted brewer from different regions to co-design a beer and travel to Belgium to brew at De Proef. Monstre Rouge is the fourth beer in the De Proef Collaboration Series. Previous partners included Tomme Arthur of Port Brewing/Lost Abbey (2007); Jason Perkins of Allagash (2008); and John Mallet of Bell's (2009). The 2011 partner (from the Northwest) will be officially announced in September.

I am a big fan of the Big Hoppy Monster as well as Flanders Red Ales with Brett. So how does this taste? This is my review on BeerAdvocate

Hazy chestnut brown with some deep crimson highlights. Fluffy inch of French vanilla head which is very thick and frothy. Wavy foam looking like a sand dune. Red apple, cherry aroma and overall Brett tart. Immediate taste of Brett with the subtle piney-citrus hops coming next. As with the regular Big Hoppy Monster, there is a noticeable spicy rye malt presence. This is a battle of the wild yeast and the big hops creating a nice treat. Lemon zest in the middle, finishes hoppy and dry. Drinkability is good...I would have another glass in a bar.

Why didn't they call this Monstre Funky?