Golden Monkey is a Tripel style Belgian beer. To quote the Beer Advocate: "Tripels are actually notoriously alcoholic, yet the best crafted ones hide this character quite evil-like and deceivingly, making them sipping beers." Yes, Golden Monkey is one potent sipping beer coming in at a 9.5% ABV. Victory has brewed an ale true to its style as this is one strong, full flavor ale. After trying a few different beers from Victory, I will go on record and state it is one of the best brewers in the US. Even though Golden Monkey is not my type of beer, I respect it is an excellent interpretation of a Tripel. Golden Monkey poured a dark, cloudy gold color and the head was weak. The aroma was typical of a wheat as there were banana notes and I could also smell some passion fruit sweetness. As for the taste well, there was a lot of flavor. I could taste the alcohol. There were also strong wheat and yeast flavors (banana) that was balance with sweet fruit (sweet dark fruits). This was a powerful drink, as it was strong in flavor and alcohol. I had to really take my time drinking this beer and nursed it for a while. It was heavy on the palate but it also was surprisingly clean and refreshing. This was a full body beer and relatively light on carbonation. By no means is this a timid beer. Cheers to Victory, as I have yet to find an American brewer nail a traditional Belgian beer but they got very close.
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