Victory Brewing Sour Monkey
Victory Sour Monkey is a 9.5% ABV sour tripel in a 6-pack of 12oz — the sour transformation of Victory's Golden Monkey Belgian-style tripel, brewed in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Where Golden Monkey is fruity and spiced, Sour Monkey is re-fermented for a precise, citrus-laden tartness that cuts through the tripel's strength. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 9.5%
- Size: 6-pack of 12oz
- Style: Sour Brett tripel — American sour ale in the Belgian tripel frame
- Malt: Pilsner
- Hops: Tettnang
- Fermentation: Multiple fermentations including Brettanomyces secondary fermentation, on the Golden Monkey base with its Belgian yeast and spice mix
- Origin: Downingtown, Pennsylvania, USA — Victory Brewing Company
Golden Monkey, Turned Sour
Victory, founded in Downingtown by Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, built Golden Monkey into one of America's defining Belgian-style tripels. Sour Monkey, first released in 2015 and now year-round, takes that same imported-malt, Belgian-yeast, spiced base and puts it through multiple fermentations — including a secondary fermentation with Brettanomyces — until the fruit turns tart and lemony. The result drinks far lighter than 9.5% suggests. Find more sours and Belgian-inspired ales in our craft beer and beer collections, or on the Victory Brewing vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Fruity Belgian yeast character with a lemon-sour edge and mild Brett funk. Palate: Sweet fruit up front against a sharp, citrus-laden tartness — the precise souring the brewery describes — over a malty tripel body. Finish: Tangy and dry for its strength, the lemon character lingering.
How to Enjoy
Serve cold in a tulip glass and treat it with a tripel's respect — at 9.5% it is a sipper, excellent with goat cheese, mussels or rich pâté to cut through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sour Monkey a lambic? No. It is an American sour Brett tripel brewed in Pennsylvania — a tripel re-fermented with Brettanomyces — not a spontaneously fermented Belgian lambic.
What is the difference between Sour Monkey and Golden Monkey? They share the same Belgian-style tripel base; Sour Monkey goes through additional fermentations, including Brettanomyces, that turn Golden Monkey's fruity spice into a tart, lemony sour.
How strong is Sour Monkey? 9.5% ABV — full tripel strength, though the tartness makes it drink lighter than the number suggests.
Tripel strength, sour snap — order Victory Sour Monkey online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.