Victory Golden Monkey 6Pk is a 9.5% ABV Belgian-style tripel from Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles. This bold, spice-forward ale took top honors at the Great American Beer Festival, besting 58 entries in the Belgian-Style Tripel category, and earned a 90-point score from Wine Enthusiast.Quick Facts: ABV: 9.5% | IBU: 25 | Origin: Downingtown, Pennsylvania | Style: Belgian-Style Tripel | Brewery: Victory Brewing CompanyProduction & HeritageVictory Brewing Company was founded in 1996 in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, by childhood friends Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet. Golden Monkey is brewed with imported two-row and pilsner malts, Tettnang whole flower European hops, coriander seed, Belgian yeast, and an undisclosed blend of exotic spices — a deliberate departure from traditional Belgian tripels that rely solely on yeast-driven character. The use of these added spices alongside a classic Belgian yeast strain gives Golden Monkey a complexity that bridges Old World tradition with American craft ambition.Tasting NotesAroma: Spiced orange and honey lead the nose, followed by tangy wheat and a warm floral quality. Banana and clove from the Belgian yeast round out a bouquet that hints at the ale's potency without sharp alcohol presence.Taste: The entry is round and generous, opening with ripe banana and sweet citrus before shifting to pepper and apple at mid-palate. Honeysuckle, white tea, and ginger emerge as supporting notes, while the 9.5% ABV provides a warming undercurrent beneath the spiced-citrus framework.Finish: Distinctly dry, with lingering pepper and a light, earthy hop bitterness that prevents the residual sweetness from overstaying. The finish is surprisingly clean for a beer of this strength, encouraging the next sip.How to Drink Golden MonkeyGolden Monkey is best served chilled in a tulip glass or Belgian chalice at around 45–50°F, which allows the spice and yeast character to fully express. At 9.5% ABV, this is a sipper rather than a session beer. For cocktail-curious drinkers, Golden Monkey works well in a Bee's Knees Shandy — its honey and citrus notes complement lemon and honey syrup. It also makes a compelling base for a Beer Mimosa, where its effervescence and orange character pair naturally with fresh juice. A Tripel Michelada leverages the ale's pepper and spice against lime and hot sauce for a savory twist.Best For Introducing a craft beer drinker to Belgian-style ales Pairing with a charcuterie or cheese board at a dinner party Warming fall or winter evening sessions around a fire pit Gifting to someone who appreciates high-ABV, complex ales Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Golden Monkey taste like? Golden Monkey delivers ripe banana, orange peel, and pepper spice up front, balanced by honeysuckle, ginger, and a warm malt sweetness. It finishes dry with an earthy hop bitterness and notable peppery kick.How does Golden Monkey compare to Unibroue La Fin du Monde? Both are North American Belgian-style tripels in the 9–9.5% ABV range, but Golden Monkey leans more heavily into added spice and pepper, while La Fin du Monde tends toward a more traditional yeast-driven profile with prominent honey and coriander. Golden Monkey's IBU of 25 gives it a slightly more noticeable hop presence than La Fin du Monde's softer bitterness.Is Golden Monkey good for sipping neat? Absolutely — this is a contemplative beer best poured into a proper glass and savored slowly. Its 9.5% ABV and layered spice character reward patience, revealing new flavors as it warms slightly in the glass.Where is Golden Monkey made? Golden Monkey is brewed by Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, located in Chester County about 35 miles west of Philadelphia. The brewery has produced this Belgian-style tripel as one of its flagship offerings since the late 1990s.What foods pair well with Golden Monkey? Thai green curry — the beer's spice and sweetness mirror and temper the dish's heat. Aged Gouda — its caramel notes complement the malty backbone. Mussels in white wine — a classic Belgian pairing that echoes the yeast character. Roasted pork loin — the dry finish cuts through richness. Crème brûlée — banana and vanilla notes create a dessert harmony.What sizes does Golden Monkey come in? Golden Monkey is widely available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, and Victory also distributes it in single 12 oz bottles and occasionally in larger-format draft.Is Golden Monkey worth the price? Golden Monkey positions as a premium craft six-pack with a 9.5% ABV, GABF gold-level recognition, and genuine complexity — strong value compared to imported Belgian tripels that often cost significantly more per bottle for a comparable drinking experience.Why Golden Monkey?Golden Monkey earned its GABF victory against 58 other Belgian-Style Tripel entries, a testament to Victory Brewing's ability to compete directly with the style's traditional European benchmarks. The deliberate addition of exotic spices — rather than relying exclusively on yeast phenolics — gives this tripel a layered warmth and peppery edge that distinguishes it from both its Belgian inspirations and American peers. A 90-point Wine Enthusiast score and a 95 on RateBeer further validate its standing. For drinkers seeking a high-ABV, spice-driven ale with real craft pedigree and proven competition credentials, Golden Monkey delivers substance behind the reputation.
