Absinthe Beer?
In MY neighborhood? It’s more likely than you think! A couple evenings ago, I was taking some folks out on a pub crawl, and we made our way into Thirsty Monk, the local Belgian craft brew bar. My customers were thrilled with the atmosphere and exotic selection, and as usual, I allowed them time to look at the menu and discuss their options before I scanned for my own choice. I gave two of them recommendations for Delirium Nocturnum and Tremens, while their friend chose a Stella. I took the menu in hand and scanned to the bottom where the rare beers were (some of them are only on draft in this particular bar for one week per year). One beer caught my eye immediately, and caused me to do a double take…
Piccolo Birrificio Chiostro – Italian Absynthe Beer. It is brewed with wormwood and other herbs, giving it some notable absinthe qualities. Obviously, this was the beer that I ordered, and it made an interesting pour. It featured a huge, foamy white head, that filled more than half the glass. After about a minute, it settled down and the beer maid brought it to me. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a flashy absinthe presentation to go along with it. No sugar cube, no sterling silver accessories, and no fire.
It in no way smelled like Absinthe, and upon tasting it, it bore no other resemblance to it either. The only thing that reminded me of Absinthe was the color. Now, it wasn’t a startling green, but it did have kind of a greenish tint to the light golden hue that the body possessed. It had a fresh, herbal scent, and the taste was similar. Kind of dry, as seems to be the case with other herb-based alcoholic beverages I’ve tried (Campari comes to mind), but not at all unpleasant. It was light, it was refreshing, and I would likely order it again on a different occasion. The main thrill of this particular beer is the unique experience it offers: At no other time have I come across or heard of a beer that is based on Absinthe.
This beer will not top my favorites list, but it may earn an honorable mention. And it surely will be near the top of the list if I make one of the strangest beers I’ve ever tried, right up there with the infamous 13% “Dancin’ Hobo” from a year ago. But that is a beer for another story. Perhaps a list, of sorts…
Until next time, stay Cultured, my friends!
