A little late getting notes up on my second tasting of the vacation. I am finding plenty of time to taste but the last two days did not provide a lot of time to sit down at the computer and post. That and most of the beers I picked are higher alcohol making it a little more difficult to blog after drinking a large bottle!
The second selection for this series is Weyerbacher Merry Monks, a Belgian-Style Golden Ale at 9.3% ABV. I thought this might be a holiday offering but discovered that this is actually a year round offering. I was also surprised to see that the website lists this as an Abbey Tripel and the label says a Golden Ale. Sounds like there might be some tweaking going on in the presentation of this beer. Both styles have similarities and actually fall under the same Belgian Strong Alecategory in BJCP guidelines. As the guidelines point out a Tripel "strongly resembles a Strong Golden Ale but slightly darker and somewhat fuller-bodied. Usually has a more rounded malt flavor but should not be sweet." As you will see in my notes, I definitely think this beer would be classified as a Tripel by most who taste it. Here are my thoughts:
- Appearance: Dark gold with some orange hues; Cloudy and lacks the clarity typical of the style but that may just have been a pour issue as this is a bottle conditioned beer with yeast sediment; Low level of head despite a rigorous pour. Again not typical of this style.
- Aroma: Candy sugar with notes of fruit including banana and pear; Some citrus and some mild spiciness
- Taste: Candy sweetness and low levels of fruit; A little too sweet for the style but not over the top; Pepper and spices
- Mouthfeel: Carbonation level is high and appropriate for the style; tight small bubbles compliment the slightly creamy texture.
- Finish: Pepper spice lingers slightly along with some hops bitterness; Gives way to clean dry finish; Nothing over powers
Overall this is an enjoyable beer. Not the perfect example of the style but I had no problem finishing it. The mild banana and fruit aromas combined with the sweetness nicely without overpowering and ruining any sense of balance. The alcohol is well hidden and left me feeling a little merry myself. I think next time I grab a Merry Monk I think I will have to put it right next to a true Belgian Triple and further explore all of the nuances that make this such a wonderful style of beer.
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