I like beer. Wherever I go I search for new beers to try, and will often stash a beer or two for later enjoyment.  This is how I found myself staring at a glass of Victory Golden Monkey.  The beer had been in my closet since November, and I felt the summer weather warranted a Belgian style ale so I put it in the fridge for about twenty minutes to chill before pouring into a pint glass.

            Located in Downingtown, PA, Victory Brewing produces several year round ales and lagers.  Golden Monkey is a Belgian Tripel ale brewed with spices.  It pours a golden straw color with a fair amount of haze and a moderate white head.  Carbonation is lively, but the beer does not lace the glass thoroughly.  A biscuit nose, warm with spice, leads to a malty sweet flavor that is accentuated by the spices added to the beer.  Brewed with German two row malt, European hops, and Belgian yeast this beer is balanced and satisfying, but should be enjoyed in moderation as this beer clocks in at 9.5% abv. This would be a good choice for anyone who likes wheat beer.  A good transition beer for someone curious about Belgian ales.

            Overall I was very happy with this beer.  It had been some time since my last Belgian ale and I had forgotten how satisfying they can be.  A tripel ale is so named due to the traditional brewing process that uses three times the malt than a standard beer has.  They should be bright yellow to gold in color.  The head should be copious and dense.  The yeast strain used often imparts a spicy complexity to the beer, and yeasty, bready, and fruity flavors are often apparent.  A large amount of hops is used to balance the sweetness from the huge malt bill.  Some triples have Belgian candy sugar added to lighten the body and this will often add complexity to the aromas and flavors.  Spices may be added.  These beers are very high in alcohol, ranging from 8.0-12% abv.

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Beer blogger Jason Holland is an associate at ABC Fine Wine and Spirits in Oviedo