I have had what are, in my opinion, both good and bad beers. I try to stick to beers I know I like and can be objective about reviewing, but what is the fun in never trying something new? I love trying new beers. Of course, I have gotten excited about a new beer, searched frantically until I found it, and fraught with anticipation I drink to find it is a disappointing experience. Nothing is worse than getting a bad beer. However, in the case of Bad Monkey Chimp Chiller Ale…bad is good!
Bad Monkey Beer is an Independent Beer Brewer whose fine tasting beer is brewed and bottled at the Lion Brewery, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. I first tried this brew in a little bar called the Trolley Stop just outside of Pittsburg. I looked over the beer menu and asked the waitress “What’s a Butt Monkey?” My wife actually thought I was being rude. Yes folks, originally this beer was called Butt Monkey. According to the waitress the name was changed to Bad Monkey due to complaints that the name was insulting. I was not insulted and just had to try this ale called But Monkey. I ended up drinking Bad Monkey the rest of that evening. I am now pouring a chilled 12oz. long neck of this American blonde ale into a pilsner glass.
It is a slightly copper yellow color, very plain and clear with a lot of carbonation. The head is white and dissipates quickly with little to no retention or lacing on the glass. It looks like a light beer. The smell is mostly light sweet malt and sort of a piney wet grass. The hop characteristic is not strong, with mostly malt perfume and herbal pine with a hint of spice.
An initial sip reveals the mild, malty, sweet flavor of the beer and again there is a unique spiciness lingering on my tongue. Not bitter. I taste caramel and a nice fruity ale hop-ness at the end. It is not complicated or over-the-top however – it is tasty, smooth and refreshing.
Overall this is a pleasing beer that I enjoy drinking. I have had many complex beers, yet the simple tastiness and easy to drink factor makes it one I will drink again. I look at the label and see a chimp with a giant cheesy grin from ear to ear. I would guess that most chimps don’t have as discriminating a taste as we humans but he sure seems to be happy about being a Bad Monkey.
