Atlanta Journal-Constitution Beer Pick
Apr 2, 2009 by Bob Townsend
Terrapin Monk’s Revenge, Terrapin Beer Co., Athens
$7.99/22-ounce bottle at metro beverage stores.
Profile: The fifth experiment in Terrapin’s ongoing, limited-edition Side Project is dubbed Monk’s Revenge, and was partly inspired by the recent trip brewer Brian “Spike” Buckowski and his crew took to Belgium. Terrapin’s take on a new, hybrid style that has become increasingly popular on both sides of the Atlantic blends the soft malt character and lively carbonation of a Belgian tripel (triple ale) with the aggressive hop aroma and flavor of an American double IPA. In fact, Buckowski employed seven hop varieties, including Amarillo, Cascade and Simcoe. But the name derives from the Trappist yeast strain Buckowski used, which produces typically Belgian fruity esters and spicy phenolics. In keeping with Trappist tradition, he also added some sugar to the brew, resulting in a hefty gravity (9.8 percent alcohol by volume) and a touch of sweetness to balance the hop bitterness.
Pair with: Terrapin suggests pairing Monks’ Revenge with classic Belgian mussels and frites. That seems like a fine idea. But try putting it up against hot and spicy Southeast Asian and Indian dishes, where its spritzy, fruity, bitter combination will match and lift those bold flavors.
Bob Townsend is editor of Southern Brew News, a bimonthly publication distributed throughout the Southeast.