A favorite memory from my ill-advised but highly-entertaining 30th Birthday Beerstravaganza Road trip to San Francisco Beer Week 2009 was our stop at 21st Amendment. We had been beer tasting in cities to the north of SF all day long, and to be honest, we were pretty … happy … by the time we got to 21A for dinner and beverages. Wisely, the hostess sat us in a large table in the balcony overlooking the restaurant, an area where we couldn’t cause too much trouble, but which had a great view of the busy bar and seating areas.
Our first round of beers was served in a beautiful tulip-shaped glass etched with the words “Strong Beer Week 2009,” and the name of the brewpub we were now overlooking. Enamored of the glasses, we asked how we could get some as souvenirs. The server launched into an explanation of what seemed at the time the most complex loyalty/punchcard program ever invented, one which required visiting all parts of the Bay Area, including, but not limited to San Jose, Oakland and other parts unknown. Each visit earned some kind of stamp or punch, and at the end of the week, you’d get what was essentially a $3 item.
Yes, we stole the glasses. But we left a big tip.
It’s a story I think of each time I use the glass, and it’s especially fun to break it out with beer from 21st Amendment. It was a pleasure sampling some of their stronger offerings at the brewpub, as they are generally better-known for their low-alcohol Watermelon Wheat and Live Free or Die IPA. I’m glad to see this special beer make it into a can, and then back into its glassy, ill-gotten but delightfully reunited.
Beer Name: Monk’s Blood
Brewer: 21st Amendment Brewery
Price: N/A
Sampled: April 26, 2010
Rating: 4/5
Notes: Canned in MN? Wha? Pepper and Cardamom on nose. Fig, too. Very sweet and juicy, even a little Juicy Fruit-y with some heat on the finish. Quite nice. Lapin cherry.
ABV: 8.3% abv
IBU: N/A
OG N/A
TG N/A
Serving Type: Can.
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