hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Sour Monkey

Tap to rate

Fruity notes from Belgian yeast swirl through a precise souring and end in a citrus tang with a lemon bite. This sour tripel (9.5% ABV) shares its imported Pilsner malt, Tettnang hops and mix of spices with the other Victory Monkeys. The brewery says its monkeys call the sour sibling tastefully tart, the one that took a walk on the tangy side.

ABV
9.5%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden5
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
sourfruitytart
sour
fruity
tart
citrusy
yeasty
spicy
Aroma
The nose opens with bright citrus notes—lemon zest and orange peel—layered beneath a distinctive Belgian yeast character that brings subtle phenolic spice and dried fruit complexity.
also:orange,bready
not found:hoppy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Sour Monkey

◎ Appearance

Pale golden hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent white head that leaves delicate lacing along the glass. The carbonation is lively and well-integrated, creating a gentle effervescence that sustains throughout the pour. The beer presents a luminous, inviting appearance characteristic of well-crafted Belgian tripels.

pale goldenclearfine white headwell-carbonated

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with bright citrus notes—lemon zest and orange peel—layered beneath a distinctive Belgian yeast character that brings subtle phenolic spice and dried fruit complexity. Tettnang hops contribute a gentle herbal undertone, while the imported Pilsner malt adds a soft, grainy backdrop. The aromatic profile is clean and focused, with the souring elements introducing a subtle tartness that invites deeper exploration.

citrus zestBelgian yeastherbal hopstart acidity

◐ Taste

The palate opens with a pronounced sour attack balanced by fruity esters from the Belgian yeast strain, creating a dynamic interplay between tartness and complexity. Mid-palate reveals layers of orchard fruit, spice, and a drying quality from the tripel's malt base, while the citrus character intensifies with a distinctive lemon bite. At 25 IBU, bitterness remains restrained, allowing the souring and fruit characteristics to dominate without harshness.

sour, fruitycitrus biteBelgian spicedry finish

◑ Finish

The finish is crisp and lingering, with the sourness and lemon tartness fading gradually into a clean, slightly peppery aftertaste. The elevated alcohol warmth (9.5% ABV) provides structure without overshadowing the delicate balance of acid and fruit.

tart aftertastecleanwarming
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
84
Appearance
86
Finish
78
Serve at 9–12°C

Serve at 10–13°C in a goblet. The yeast character and carbonation are the stars — cold would suppress both.

Goblet

The wide mouth and heavy base promote head formation and channel rich aromatics toward the nose. Traditional for Belgian strong ales.

Drink within 2 years. Some complexity develops with age but the yeast character is best relatively fresh.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Sour Monkey

More from Victory Brewing Company

Berry Monkey
Berry Monkey
Tripel
9.5%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Brotherly Love
Brotherly Love
Hazy IPA
6%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Cloud Walker
Cloud Walker
Hazy IPA
6.8%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Dark Thunder Storm King
Dark Thunder Storm King
Imperial Stout
9.1%·Very bitter
Find matches →
DirtWolf
DirtWolf
Double IPA
8.7%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Festbier
Festbier
Märzen
5.6%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
Golden Monkey
Golden Monkey
Belgian Tripel
9.5%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Harvest Moonglow

About Tripel

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Tripel?

Tripels are strong Belgian ales with 8–10% ABV. Deceptively pale, they offer fruit esters, spicy yeast, sweet malt and a warming finish.

Finding a similar Tripel

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same sour, fruity, tart character as Sour Monkey will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

FEATURED IN

Compare with another beer →