What’s better than reading a good book? Reading a good book while drinking an excellent beer! Here are my recommendations for brews to accompany The Monk in the Garden by Robin Marantz Henig.

St. Bernardus Abt 12 is probably my favorite beer. It’s mellow and delightful–perfect for pretty much every occasion, including reading about genetics. The cheerful monk on the label will remind you of roly-poly Gregor Mendel, who devoted his life to pea plants like some of his brethren have devoted their lives to brewing some of the best beer on the planet. I love monks.

Monk’s Cafe Flemish Sour Ale is the other competitor for Melody’s Favorite Beer. (I told you I love monks!) It’s tart and deliciously tangy. My abiding beer passion is for sours. I haven’t yet met a beer too sour for my palate. But this beer doesn’t take the pucker factor too far; it’s a great first foray into the sour world. (I’m tempted to make jokes about Gregor Mendel’s sour forays into science… but I’ll refrain.)

For a more budget-conscious (but no less delightful) abbey ale, check out Blue Moon Mountain Abbey Ale. It’s a seasonal offering, so grab it soon! I like to think that snow-covered monastery on the label is Gregor Mendel’s wintry greenhouse–chilly outside, but tropical inside. Yep, I’m a nerd. But at least I have a good time!