Strangeways Brewing Albino Monkey
I’d been on the look out for Strangeways Brewing products in the NOVA area for a while now, but it wasn’t until visited a friend in Richmond a few months ago that I finally found some to purchase — snagging more than a couple of bottles in the process as seen below.
Finally picked up some @StrangewaysRVA brews this weekend in Richmond. pic.twitter.com/PlQcTb1WW5
— The Barley Blog (@barleyblog) July 27, 2014
The first bottle I cracked open is the excellently named Albino Monkey. We’ve all seen monks happily drinking beer on the labels of many a Belgian-inspired brew. But the play on words here and the style brewed — 5% ABV Witbier — make for an excellent combination. Now, would the beer match the cleverness of the name and artwork?
Yes and no. I’m not a huge fan of witbiers in general, but I couldn’t miss the opportunity to sample some of the brewery’s wares. And, to be quite honest, Albino Monkey ain’t half bad.
Appearance
Golden in color, the brew sits with a frothy cap of white foam atop its surface.
Aroma
Wheat, distant spices (coriander), light citrus, soft grassy notes and a bit of yeast in the background that brings a little funk to the party.
Taste
One of my greatest complaints with American-made witbiers is the overuse of spices in recipes. Thankfully, Strangeways doesn’t over do it here with Albino Monkey. The spices are subtle and smooth, adding to the brew’s clean and earthy nature. There’s a decent yeast presence, distant fruits, those subtle spices and a hint of a hop tingle on the tongue. A soft bit of funk tantalizes throughout.
Overall
All in all, Albino Monkey is a decent little brew. It’s not going to turn me into a witbier convert any time soon, but it’s easy drinking and a great introduction to the brewing company. I do love that little twinge of yeasty funk running around in the background.
Rating: 3.5/5
