Cheers/Drink/Repeat No Evil

After yesterday's rather disappointing beer, I was really hoping to try something better today. When I reached in the fridge I went for the beer that seemed like it had the most potential to be great, and that happened to be Victory's Golden Monkey.


This beer is categorized as a Tripel Ale. And no, I did not spell that wrong. A tripel is a Belgian beer, also referred to as an Abbey Tripel, that is of the style of beers that monks would brew in monasteries way back in the day. There is also a grouping of beers known as 'dubbels', but they are much darker, and of lower gravity, than tripels. I'll surly be tasting one of those soon enough.

But I digress. Today's focus is the clear golden beer I have before me. This one is not for your average beer drinker as it is kind of intense. It tastes very much like the German & Czech beers that my Dad likes to drink; and since he reads this occasionally, I have to say that it's not a bad thing! What sets this beer apart is the strong taste it has. You can really distinguish the alcohol in this beer, and it almost tastes like a white wine with more carbonation and bite. Definitely a change of pace!

If I could ask for any changes in this beer it would be to not be as dry as it is. The lingering bitterness could be complemented that left a more enjoyable flavor, but I am struggling to figure out exactly what that could be. I definitely suggest this beer to someone who is having something spicy for dinner and doesn't want to fill up on low alcohol beers. As a reference, there is almost twice the alcohol content in this beer as one can of bud heavy.

[Update:] I just had a slice of cold pizza to tag along with the rest of this beer, and it tastes delicious. So all you college kids out there, take note.

Victory Brewing
Golden Monkey
Abbey Tripel Ale
9.5% abv
"For Your Taste"