Are there really grumpy monks? I wouldn't think so. I thought that monks would be perennially happy, at least the ones lucky enough to live and work in a monastery with a brewery. What's that you say? There’s a strict limit on how much beer a monk can drink in a day? Oh well then, friends, that's a horse of a different color, and probably a good reason why a monk might be grumpy. I’m assuming that’s the inspiration for Samuel Adams Grumpy Monk, a Belgian IPA.
I had a hard time getting my hands on this beer. It’s been sold before in 22 ounce bottles, but I had never seen them. It was released as well in the 2014 IPA Hopology Assortment, though that is case lot only. I broke down and bought the case for $28.99 at Total Wine because it features 4 bottles each of 6 tasty beers, 4 of which I had yet to try. In addition to the Grumpy Monk, I got:
Samuel Adams Roggen Wolf
Samuel Adams Tasman Red
Samuel Adams Third Voyage
From the label:
The long held brewing traditions of Belgian monks aren’t meant to be broken. Yet, to the monks’ dismay, the distinctive character of Belgian yeast with its spicy clove and fruit notes can be reimagined when combined with the brazen hop character of an IPA. These hops impart a citrusy, piney, and earthy flavor that’s balanced by a roasted malt sweetness for a complex and playful brew.
Ingredients from the website:
HOP VARIETIES: Ahtanum, Simcoe, Cascade, Amarillo, Fuggles, and Saaz
MALT VARIETIES: Samuel Adams two-row pale malt blend, Bohemian Pils Malt, Honey Malt
YEAST STRAIN: Belgian Top-fermenting Ale
Samuel Adams Grumpy Monk has an alcohol content of 6.5% by volume and 55 IBUs. The case is marked best enjoyed before July, but the Grumpy Monk label is notched as best before August. It could certainly go longer properly stored.
Samuel Adams Grumpy Monk pours to a bright orange color with a thick, prodigious head of rocky foam and a yeasty, citric hoppy nose. Taking a sip, the beer has delightful caramel, candied fruit and cotton candy notes up front followed by definitely funky Belgian yeastiness. Light clove can be detected, and then some grassy herbal and resiny hops in aroma in the finish. Bitterness is respectable and lingers on the tongue nicely.
Very nicely done! A Belgian pale ale really for me rather than a Belgian IPA but delicious all the same. I didn’t really get the citrusy hops, but make no mistake: this is a tasty beer that’s easy to drink. A great value too at the mixed case price. A few of these and that monk might not be so grumpy after all……
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft