FAST FASHION x Monkish Curtain Call Red Ale Review

The information in this article has been fact-checked. Beer characteristics and brewery details are as of the publication date.

Hi, I’m Riho! Today I’m reviewing a FAST FASHION x Monkish collaboration can that a friend tipped me off about!

FAST FASHION is a San Diego-based brewery known for its street art-inspired designs, while Monkish, based in Torrance (near LA), is a powerhouse ranked among America’s top on Untappd. My expectations were sky-high before even tasting their collab “Curtain Call.” I’d heard rumors it pairs well with donuts—could that be true?

Beer Info

Beer Name	Curtain Call
Brewery	FAST FASHION × Monkish Brewing
Style	Red Ale
ABV	6.7%
Hops (est.)	Centennial、Citra、Nelson Sauvin
Malt	Caramel Malt、Black Malt、ダークモルト
Purchased	November 22, 2025
Instagram	@monkishbrewing、@fastfashionbeer

Our Three Characters’ Tasting Notes

Appearance

Aroma

Flavor

Mouthfeel & Finish

Detailed Tasting Notes

Appearance

Deep reddish-brown. The rich caramel and chocolate-like hues convey strong malt presence from the moment it’s poured. A beautiful glass with the dignified glow typical of Red Ale.

Aroma

First to rise is a sweet aroma of caramel and baked goods. It gradually consolidates into a rich, fascinating chocolate donut-like scent. Strong cookie-like biscuit aromas evoke Voodoo Doughnuts. Over time, fruity notes rise from the palate, revealing Monkish hazy IPA-like candy-esque vibrancy.

Flavor

The entry features caramel, biscuit, and baked-goods flavors. A core of fresh Centennial bitterness rises momentarily through the sweet malt layers—clean and refined, not harshly burnt. Roast bitterness from dark malt intermingles for a complex, pleasant taste. Just before flavors leave the tongue, a subtle Black Malt acidity appears without being off-putting. As it progresses, fruitiness intensifies, spreading Monkish’s signature Citra/Nelson Hazy IPA-like sweetness and vibrancy through the flavor.

Mouthfeel

The mouthfeel has a slight silkiness suggesting subtle oats, wheat, or both—with a light grain spiciness. The sweet malt character that leaves a slight “stickiness” on the glass is also distinctive.

Finish

Multi-layered and fascinating. FAST Fashion’s signature momentary, sharp bitterness fades quickly, while malt sweetness persists. Fruity aromas dissolve into that sweetness, settling into a pleasant, mellow finish.

Temperature Effects

Cold (5-8°C)	Warmer (12-15°C)
Crisp, defined bitterness	Baked goods and chocolate come forward
Centennial freshness and lemon-peel bitterness stand out	Candy-like fruitiness opens up
A quaffable, hoppy red ale	Mellow charm intensifies; feels like a different beer entirely

Collab Info: FAST FASHION x Monkish

FAST FASHION Brewing (San Diego)

A San Diego-based brewery known for bold street art-inspired designs and distinctive beers showcasing fresh hops. Their trademark is an instantly rising sharp bitterness with instant refreshment and hoppiness.

Monkish Brewing (Torrance, California)

Based in Torrance, a suburb of Los Angeles. Ranked among America’s top on Untappd, they earn high praise across styles from Belgian to Hazy IPA. Their fruity, candy-like Hazy IPAs featuring Citra and Nelson Sauvin are especially popular, and they bring that character fully into collaborations.

Read my previous Monkish visit report here:

Recommended American Craft Beer Gifts

Overall Rating

Final Verdict

The complexity of sweet dark malt, the core bitterness of fresh hops, and Monkish’s signature fruity, candy-like nuances come together seamlessly to create a one-of-a-kind “chocolate donut x fruity x clean bitterness” experience. Despite being a Red Ale, it shows Hazy IPA-like character at warmer temperatures—a multi-layered, captivating beer. Paired with donuts, this would be absolutely incredible. I want to visit Monkish again!

FAQ

Where can I buy FAST FASHION x Monkish collab beers?

Available at FAST FASHION BREWING’s online store and specialty craft beer shops. Collab cans are limited releases, so check the breweries’ official social media and release info frequently.

What is the ABV of Curtain Call Red Ale?

ABV is 6.7%. It has the satisfying body of a Red Ale but is a standard strength for craft beer.

Where is FAST FASHION BREWING?

FAST FASHION BREWING is based in San Diego, California. This was brewed in collaboration with Monkish Brewing (Torrance).

Disclaimer

This article reflects the author’s personal opinions and experience. Beer flavors, quality, prices, and availability are subject to change. Check the official websites for the latest information. Please drink responsibly.

References

Original Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/lobeerve/p/DRWLE3GEW5O/

Riho Beer Review No. 509 | From Instagram post, November 22, 2025

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👉 West Coast Brewing（静岡）完全ガイド

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