Terrapin Side Project #5 Monk’s Revenge

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this beer, which is #5 in Terrapin Beer Company’s “Side Project” series.   Monk’s Revenge is Terrapin’s first go at a Belgian styled beer by using dextrose (corn syrup) in the beer.  It is supposed to have the malt bill of a Belgian Tripel and the hop bill of a Double IPA.  The yeast comes from one the 7 Trappist breweries.  They call it a Belgian Style Double Pale IPA.  The ABV is 9.8% and the IBU’s are 99.

Tasting Notes And Score

The beer pours a nice light caramel color with plenty of carbonation and a white, bubbly head that dissipates fairly quickly but leaves very nice lacing on the glass.  The smell is hop forward (the 99 IBU’s show their face here and in the taste) but is quickly followed by a slightly sweet and fruity smell of pear, apple, and maybe a hint of banana and bread.  The taste is pretty much a copy of the smell with lots of hops quickly followed by the fruit.  It has a dry/crisp finish and is medium bodied.  The aftertaste once again is hop dominated and slightly bitter but quickly leaves and is followed by a crisp fruity sweetness.

This is an excellent beer and comes pretty close to the top in my book as far as score goes.  It has a unique taste and does a very good job of combining the hoppiness of a strong American or Double IPA with the bready/fruity profile of a Belgian Tripel.

Terrapin is distributed mainly in Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee.  Paul has found it in Pennsylvania as well, so it might be available in more states than indicated on Terrapin’s site.  Get some if you can and give it a try for yourself and see if you agree with me.

Here is the score(new scoring system):

1. Appearance- 9 points (out of 10)
2. Smell- 9 points (out of 10)
3. Taste- 17 points (out of 20)
4. Drinkability- 9 points (out of 10)

Total 45 (out of 50) Points- A 4 Mug Rating

Terrapin Beer Company:  http://www.terrapinbeer.com