Brother Thelonious: A Second Favorite Beer

We’ve talked before about my love for Guinness. I only drink perhaps six glasses a year, but I love the black-and-tan that, when held up to the light, reveals itself to be a gorgeous ruby red.

And there is nothing better, after a hot day of sightseeing than a cold one of these:

My Photo, 2012

I am not familiar with the Job-Recovery Ale that Frank Weathers is currently featuring, but the young people in the family do like interesting beers, so we have become familiar with IPA’s and all manner of heavy stouts and fruity lagers. When they offer me a sip, I sometimes accept and it’s usually followed by one of these expressions, and a polite, “well…enjoy that!”

But recently my son offered me a choice of several beers and — because this is exactly how easily I am swayed by marketing — I said, “oh, that label is really cool! I’ll try that!”

My Photo, 2012

It really is a cool label.

But Brother Theolonious Belgian-Style Abbey Ale is more than just a pretty face. Served up to me in one of those fancy “Belgian Ale glasses” the Monk was rich, a little raisin-y; it had a heft and a fullness that suggested density, although the beer wasn’t really thick. I actually finished the thing, which I never do with any beer but Guinness. Yeah, it’s yummy.

The North Coast Brewing Company, which also makes the so-heavy-it’s-terrifying Old Rasputin makes Brother Thelonious as part of its “American Artisan Beer Series” and you can read about the beer or read about the artwork here.

There is even a Jazz CD made in honor of the beer — you can hear samples here — with 100% of sales proceeds donated to The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, “to further international Jazz education programs.”

That’s cool, too!

I thought the label was interesting, and the brew even moreso. And since I don’t much like beer in general, figured it was worth mentioning, especially if it helps keep us jazzed up!

Guinness will always be my first choice, especially on a hot day, but this is a happy second!