AleSmith Stumblin' Monk

An Alesmith bottle-conditioned beer that I can't find a reason to jump up and shout about??? Yes, it's true -- this is a good beer, but not a great beer.

Had this in my "cellar" since early July 2001, and finally decided to pop it open August 2003. In retrospect, I think it would have been better around Summer 2002, but them's the breaks. As such, this is all I have to go on, review-wise. Caveat Emptor.

First impressions: Not nearly as interesting or as complex as most Belgian Strong Pale Ales. Duvel, this aint. In fact, I'm not very proud to say that I was kinda bored with this beer. Had a full 0,5L glass of this, and tossed the rest down the sink. The Avery Quadruppel was calling my name, and life's too short for so-so beer!

That's a bit harsh, actually. But to be honest, this was way too basic and dull for a beer with such promise. Again, I suspect that I aged this too long. But until a newer version of this beer shows up, it's strictly "buyer beware", IMO.
//TB

P.S. This beer has since been discontinued.